Losing weight has largely been considered an exercise in willpower. But that approach may be changing according to a Columbia University Medical Center doctor.

Dr. Barron H. Lerner writes in the New York Times that strategies for promoting weight loss have recently begun to shift from a focus on individual behaviors to a public health approach.

He cites New York City's transfat ban as an example of the environmental theory of obesity. But the question is, will it work?

Check out the full article to see what Lerner says.

What do you think? Is obesity about willpower or environment? How do you think we should approach the growing obesity crisis?

Write in and let me know what you think.

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com