Task force to tackle child obesity

The Government has launched a crackdown on the country’s fast-growing obesity crisis.

One in eight Irish people is obese and every second person overweight.

A group of experts has been appointed to devise a national strategy aimed at reducing obesity levels in adults and children.

With a successful anti-smoking campaign behind him, Health Minister Micheál Martin is hoping the latest project will have a similar impact.

He said childhood obesity was a priority, with one in five Irish children overweight and one in 20 obese.

“The problem is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger people. We need to make it easier for children to eat healthy foods and be more active,” he said.

“Excessive television viewing is a contributor to obesity in children.

“This may be related to the high levels of food advertising to which they are exposed as well as reduced physical activity levels.

“Foods and drinks from the top shelf of the food pyramid – those of which we should eat less are among the most heavily marketed products on television.”

Obesity levels have increased by almost a third in Ireland over the last four years, with 14% of men and 12% of women now obese.

Obesity accounts for at least 2,500 deaths in Ireland a year.

The Minister said he hoped the recent removal of certain “supersize” portions in the UK would be emulated in Ireland.

He suggested a clear and user-friendly food labelling system was needed to make people more aware of the contents of their food choices.

Treating obesity-related illness was costing 6% of the national healthcare budget, he added.

The National Taskforce on Obesity is chaired by chief executive of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy and includes representatives from the Health Promotion Agency of Northern Ireland and the Institute of Public Health and Safe Food.

It is expected to report back with its conclusions by the end of the year and Mr Martin said he hoped it would successfully tackle the “emerging health crisis”.

As part of the campaign the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland is reviewing its strategy of marketing food to children.