New survey shows increase in obesity

In Ireland, two thirds of men and almost one half of women are overweight or obese, according to a major new survey today by the Food Safety Promotion Board.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Professor Albert Flynn, University College, Cork said the trend towards obesity has increased significantly since 1990.

Over the past 10 years obesity has increased 2.5 fold in men, and men have overtaken women in the obesity stakes.

Over 20% of men are now obese, up from 8% ten years ago.

In women, the rate of obesity is 16%, up from 13%.

However, the highest prevalence of obesity in any group is in women over the age of 50 years, at almost 30%.

Other important findings from the survey relate to physical activity, consumption patterns of foods and beverages, nutrient intakes, alcohol consumption and smoking.