Health inequalities – why so little progress?

Abstract Studies of the health of the population of Scotland over many years have provided new insights to the basis of inequalities in life expectancy across the Scottish population. Conventional descriptions of health inequalities as being due predominantly to smoking, obesity and alcohol do not fully account for the situation in Scotland. The deeper insights obtained from comprehensive analysis have prompted new approaches to narrowing the gap. Opportunities for well-being are created within the complex system of a well functioning society and novel methods are required if the outcomes of such a complex system are to improve.