Health secretary, John Reid, has urged the nation to voice its views on public health as he launched the biggest ever study into it.

The three-month consultation is an opportunity for all interested parties – the NHS, local government, non-governmental organisations, industry, schools, employers, media and individuals – to debate how to improve people’s health.

“There is a growing recognition that the health and wellbeing of communities and society as a whole is not just a matter for central government. We need now to agree on how best we can make a real difference,” he said.

A document entitled Choosing Health forms the basis of the consultation, which will run until the end of May.

Choosing Health sets out wide-ranging questions on how the country might tackle health problems – such obesity and smoking.

“How can we all work together more effectively to promote the health of all? How can we ensure our children are given the best possible start in life? How can we ensure people have the local environments, services, facilities and information they need to choose healthy lifestyles?” asked Reid. “I want everyone to make their voices heard, because everyone’s future is at stake here.”

The white paper on public health is due to be published in the summer.