To discuss the ethics dilemmas of the early detection of overweight and obesity.

Analysis of the ethical aspects of early detection.

The early detection of overweight and obesity entails a number of ethical dilemmas because it may both be helpful and harmful. It may help people to lead a healthier life and non-detection could be considered neglectful. It may, however, cause anxiety, interfere with people’s integrity, focus only on individual causes and responsibilities, cause stigmatization and have adverse effects by inducing weight gain.

Documentation of more positive than negative effects is required before early detection is introduced.