But they said governments needed to take a lead by using legislation and direct intervention to create a better environment.

BBC: Global governments 'must get tough on obesity'

The economist makes the argument that post-crisis GDP growth rates are about 11.9% off of historical standards, which, along with the employment-to-population ratio, suggest the current macroeconomic environment is a lot more challenging than in other recessions and will need the intervention of government to recover.

FORBES: Historically GDP Growth Is Off By 11.9% And Labor Markets Should've Already Bounced