Why Do We Need to take Action?

The WHO has warned that Ireland is on a dangerous trajectory to become one of the most obese countries in Europe.

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Prevention is the key to turning the tide of obesity.

What do we want?

We recommended a number of evidence-based measures in the following areas:

Public Health Policy

• prohibition of TV advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) up to 9pm and a ban on marketing of HFSS foods to children
• monitoring by government of all approaches to food marketing, sponsorship and brand management directly or indirectly aimed at children
• introduction of a front-of-pack, traffic light food labelling system
• introduction of a 20 per cent tax on sugar sweetened drinks (SSDs)
• consistent application and monitoring of local area planning guidelines on the location of fast food outlets throughout the country
• built environment planning that facilitates and encourages people to be physically active including promotion of active travel through planning regulations and guidelines, and continued investment in necessary infrastructure.

Healthcare, Education and Community Settings

• adoption of a ‘weight aware’ ethos in all clinical services
• providing a majority (at least 60 per cent) of healthy options in food service facilities in healthcare settings and providing only healthy options in children’s units
• a commitment from schools to allow free play and physical activity in school playgrounds/recreation areas
• better provision of healthy food choices in school breakfast clubs, supported by funding, adequate facilities and promotion of nutritional guidelines
• use of the profile and influence of sporting organisations and sports people in communities to promote physical activity and consumption of healthy, rather than unhealthy, food and drinks.

Treatment and Management of Obesity

• ensure children and adults who are overweight/obese have access to an integrated obesity treatment and weight management service within community, primary and secondary care settings providing evidence-based models of care according to their need
• appoint a National Clinical Lead for Obesity with responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the treatment and management aspects of the National Obesity Strategy
• identify and scale up budgetary allocations for obesity treatment.
• support ongoing data collection and surveillance of overweight/obesity as a key component of Ireland’s ehealth Strategy. Collate data on all sections of the population and across all healthcare settings via a centralised obesity data hub
• educate all healthcare professionals on the management of obesity at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and educate all relevant government department and non-governmental organisational staff
• resource adequate levels of healthcare staff and appropriate equipment to deal with individuals who are obese in all healthcare facilities.

Many recommendations from this group are reflected in the National Obesity Policy and Action Plan.