Search for weapons of mass reduction as size does matter

THE search is on for weapons of mass reduction, a nutritionist told the Marketplace Ireland event at Croke Park in Dublin yesterday as he urged Irish food and drink companies to pay more attention to nutrition in their products.

British expert on health and well-being Professor David Richardstown told the event, organised by Bord Bia, that public health issues where nutrition, inactivity and other lifestyle factors were implicated included the increasing proportion of the population suffering from obesity, the high proportion of premature deaths (at least a third) due to cardiovascular disease, the increased incidence of type two diabetes, 30% to 40% of all cancers and osteoporosis.

This is taking place against a background of a changing society. Life expectancy is increasing, the family is declining, the labour market is changing, snacking is increasing and people have less spare time.

Governments, the food industry and society as a whole have woken up to the fact people are getting fatter faster. This is particularly true of children.

“Size does matter and the search is on for weapons of mass reduction,” he said.

However, lower energy intakes ensuring the nutrient density of the diet is even more vital, said Professor Richardston.

He said people should restrict fat to less than 30% of their diet, free sugars to less than 10% while ensuring carbohydrates contributed at least 55% of their total diet.

Meanwhile, the Irish Medical Organisation has launched a campaign to heighten awareness of key health indicators.

Devised by the IMO’s GP Development Team, it will be publicised through posters and leaflets in GPs’ surgeries and health clinics throughout the country.

The posters will highlight ideal values for a range of health and lifestyle indicators which, when combined, give an ideal towards which people can aim.

The indicators include blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index.