Obesity is ‘health timebomb’ in Northern Ireland, warns medical chief

OBESITY affects more than one in five people in Northern Ireland, the chief medical officer revealed yesterday.

Dr Henrietta Campbell warned of a health time bomb due to the rising number of people classed as seriously overweight.

With children particularly at risk, a special task force is to be set up to cope with the crisis.

In her annual report Dr Campbell also expressed concern over growing levels of diabetes and binge drinking among young women.

But it was the problems affecting children that led to demands for urgent intervention.

Dr Campbell said: “Obesity in children is increasing at an alarming rate and it is projected that in 15 to 20 years’ time one in five boys and one in three girls will be obese unless drastic action is taken now.”

Both the Government and those who are overweight have a responsibility for reversing the trend, the chief medical officer said.

“Obesity is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.”

Dr Campbell called on people to eat more healthy food, keep their weight under control and exercise regularly. Health chiefs also attempted to caution against heavy alcohol consumption.

Dr Campbell added: “A binge drinking culture is becoming more common.

“The increasing number of young women drinking to excess is of particular concern.”