This book examines the quest to promote the health and vigour of individuals and populations of liberal democracies. It provides a detailed account of the emergence and working of Danish and English health promotion policies and programs in the areas of obesity control and mental recovery. The book shows that these interventions are supported by a form of optimistic vitalism, according to which we should all work indefinitely to improve our health and vigour. In the areas of both obesity control and mental recovery, equally particular individuals, and the social environment in which they live, are the target of political interventions. The book is above all relevant for social and political science researchers and graduate students as well as for policymakers and practitioners in the field of public health.

This book is relevant to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good health and well-being.