Unit 2: The external costs of obesity

This BBC article portrays a frightening future for the health of the UK population

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7043639.stm

a) Explain what is meant by an external cost
b) Explain the external costs associated with obesity
c) What is the market failure associated with obesity?
d) What actions have the government already taken to combat this market failure?
e) What actions are the government proposing to further combat this market failure?
f) Evaluate the likely success of the government's actions