Taskforce urges action to tackle obesity
The National Taskforce On Obesity was launched by the Taoiseach yesterday. Bertie Ahern said that as Ireland has led the way worldwide with the smoking ban, it should lead the way on healthy and active living.
According to the report’s authors, the growing phenomenon of obesity already cost around 30 million in in-patient hospital costs in 2003 while the indirect costs of the condition, such as sick pay, are believed to cost 0.4 billion per year. It’s estimated that 2,000 people die prematurely in Ireland every year due to obesity.
In Ireland, 39% of adults are overweight and 18% are obese.
Action should be taken, the study says, on the marketing and advertising of products that contribute to weight gain, especially those aimed at children.
It calls on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment together with the private sector and consumer groups to begin work on this area.
At the report’s launch in Dublin, Taskforce Chairman, John Treacy said: “Irish lifestyles, in terms of diet and a decline in workplace or recreational activity, have changed dramatically over the past 60 years. There is no doubt but that we have a major challenge on our hands and successfully tackling the problem can only be achieved by a concerted effort across all sectors of society, public, private and commercial.”
While the report’s 93 recommendations are aimed at the Departments of Agriculture, Enterprise Trade and Employment, Social and Family Affairs and Environment, Heritage and Local Government, many relate to schools.
It says that every child should be able to have a minimum of 30 minutes dedicated physical activity, every day, in all schools and educational settings. Properly trained staff should also provide two hours of PE every week.
The report speaks of an “obesogenic” environment which is helping the increase of obesity and it calls on the Department of the Environment to develop housing, transport and planning policies which encourage walking, cycling and other forms of spontaneous exercise.
The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) is urged to examine the high costs of public liability insurance and the corresponding introduction of ‘no run’ policies in schools . Also, the Department of Finance is urged to examine the influence of taxation policies on consumer spending and to look at the benefits of a taxation policy that encourages healthy diets and subsidies for fruit and vegetables. One of the key recommendations of the report is that the Department of the Taoiseach should take responsibility for the implementation of the report in conjunction with other government departments.
Yesterday, Mr Ahern said he will be prioritising multi-sectoral collaboration as the most effective way of tackling the obesity epidemic.
The report will be brought to Cabinet by Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Seán Power TD.
Ten child-friendly foods
1. Milk: An essential source of calcium and Vitamin D for bones and teeth.
2. Water: Some will say they don’t like the ‘taste’ but ignore this. It’s much kinder to their teeth than juice or squash and fizzy drinks.
3. Blueberries: Contains one of the highest amounts of Vitamin C of any fruit. They also have anti-oxidant properties which boost the immune system and help warn of high
cholesterol, heart problems and cancer in later life.
4. Oily fish: Kippers, salmon, trout and mackerel are high in Omega 3-fatty acids, which have been shown to improve concentration and learning ability.
5. Sweet potatoes: They may seem exotic but kids love them. They’re a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, beta-carotene and potassium for healthy skin, eyes, heart and immune system.
6. Wholemeal bread: Youngsters need lots of starch to give them energy. The brown versions of bread, pasta and rice are best as they’re less processed and provide a slow, steady source of energy and so won’t lead to energy highs and lows which can make children irritable and disruptive.
7. Tomatoes: Kids love them in bolognese, lasagne and most pasta dishes and they have high levels of lycopene which can reduce the risk of cancer.
8. Apples: High in Vitamin C and good source of flavanoids and polyphenols, which improve lung function especially in asthmatic youngsters.
9. Lean steak or beef: High in protein, zinc and B vitamins which are essential for healthy muscles, tissue and blood. Grill meat rather than fry.
10. Beans: The old favourite is high in protein and fibre but try to buy the low-sugar and low-salt versions.
