Commercial Determinants of Health: An Introduction

People’s health is to a large degree shaped by the world around them—that is, by the conditions in which they are born, grow, work, and live, and these are in turn shaped by forces beyond government policy. In particular, in the modern era, the economic and political power of the private sector influences physical and social environments, the evidence surrounding problems and their solutions, and even the nature of public discourse and understanding. Considering the relative influence of private sector actors, it is therefore more important than ever to understand its role in shaping health and policy, particularly where there may be a conflict between profits and health. This chapter introduces the commercial determinants of health and the rationale and structure of the book.