I think smoking is bang on as a comparison. Massive lifetime average costs to the health system, spending on which is by definition zero sum. Both smoking and m

I think smoking is bang on as a comparison. Massive lifetime average costs to the health system, spending on which is by definition zero sum. Both smoking and morbid obesity are enormously damaging life paths. I say this as someone who struggles with their weight. I want to acknowledge that weight isn't a simple calories in, calories out situation. That other illnesses, medications, childbirth and gut health have enormous impacts on the capacity to maintain or lose weight. And that many people (particularly in the US) live in food deserts. What I'd criticise is the valorisation or excusing of obesity as equivalent to healthy living. 'Healthy at any size' social messaging is enormously damaging on a social and personal level. I've personally known a few people who became politicised in this direction (as a subset of radical queer politics) and went from being highly functional to disabled due to overeating and other health consequences of inactivity and overeating. Life is difficult, aging is terrifying. Making it worse by pretending that these conditions aren't awful is extremely irresponsible.