Report recommends weight management centres all over country

A new report has recommended that specialist weight management centres be set up in each of the six HSE regions to provide treatment for people who are obese.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland said there needed to be wider access to services in the community and increased funding for obesity treatment for children and adults.

It is also calling for the appointment of a national clinical lead for obesity, and said services for obese children and adults should be provided in all healthcare settings.

The report said healthcare professionals needed specialist training to help reduce the stigma of the disease for patients.

One in four children and two out of three adults in Ireland are overweight or obese. There are currently two treatments centres for obese patients in the country - at St Colmcille’s in Loughlinstown and at University Hospital Galway.