20% of people 'seriously overweight' in Northern Ireland

Obesity affects more than one in five people in Northern Ireland, their chief medical officer revealed today.

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

With children especially at risk, a special taskforce 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 more and more children that led to demands for urgent intervention.

Dr Campbell said: “Currently over half our population have a weight problem and as many as one in five are obese.

“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 UK government and those who are overweight have a responsibility for reversing the trend, the chief medical officer said.

“Obesity is a major health problem because of the risk it poses to health.

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

Dr Campbell’s report, Your Health Matters, includes the announcement that a UK government body will be set up to address the issue.

She called on people to eat more healthy food, keep their weight under control and exercise regularly in an attempt to curb growing incidences of diabetes.

“Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90% of people with diabetes, is clearly linked with obesity,” she said.

UK health chiefs also attempted to caution against heavy alcohol consumption.

Dr Campbell said: “A binge drinking culture is becoming more common in Northern Ireland with many men and women consuming large amounts of alcohol in a single session.

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

“Drinking and drinking to get drunk is also a feature of the lifestyle of teenagers.”