Anti-obesity plan plans 5% cut in average person’s weight

Health Minister Simon Harris has defended his decision not to provide a budget for a major anti-obesity action plan.

“We can’t reduce this all to resourcing,” Mr Harris insisted when he launched the Healthy Weight for Ireland plan to secure a 5% reduction in people’s average weight over the next decade.

The minister pointed out that elements of the plan did not require extra spending — they were about changing practices, engaging with interested parties, and delivering change.