Two-thirds of people overweight, research finds

IRISH people are in denial about the scale of the obesity epidemic here even though two out of three people are overweight.

Research commissioned by Safefood reveals that only 38% of people believe they are overweight when, in fact, 61% are too heavy. Despite this, 57% feel they have no need to lose weight.

Safefood has launched a campaign, Stop the Spread, warning people to recognise that being overweight is now the ‘norm’, has become visually and socially acceptable and that we no longer recognise the fact that we are carrying extra weight.

The campaign urges people to measure their waist. If their waist size is greater than 32 inches for a woman or 37 inches for a man, that is a clear indication that they are carrying excess weight.

Obesity specialist at St Columcille’s and St Vincent’s Hospitals, Dr Dónal O’Shea, said people assume they are not overweight because they look ‘normal’ when this is not the case.

“I am delighted because this campaign is shifting the emphasis to overweight and not just obesity. Because we have edged up in weight over the last 20 years, most people who are overweight think they are just fine because they look ‘normal’. If you are overweight, all you might need to lose is six or eight pounds — a couple of inches at the waist — to make a big difference to your long-term health.

“Too often, the focus is on the severe end of the scale where it can be really hard to make progress.”

Director of human health and nutrition at Safefood, Dr Clíodhna Foley-Nolan, said a simple waist measurement can give people an early warning as to weight problems.

“It is well known that carrying excess weight around the tummy is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such diabetes and heart disease and more recently cancer.”

The campaign also addresses what is called the social contagion effect, where the chances of being obese are much more likely in a social circle either within a family or a network of friends.

Research has shown that a person’s chances of becoming obese increased by 57% if they had a friend who became obese. If one spouse is obese, the likelihood that the other spouse could be obese increases by 37%.

“We are all part of social networks and are influenced by the appearance and behaviour of those around us.

“We need to stop the spread of this health epidemic by encouraging and motivating ourselves and others to reassess their own waist and weight, take realistic steps to tackle any excess weight, and begin to live a healthier future,” added Dr Foley-Nolan.