Government action urged over obesity report findings

The Government has been urged to take immediate action to tackle the problem of obesity after a new study published today, shows that one in four adults is obese.

The Dietary Habits of the Irish Populationstudy, a sub-report from the 2007 Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (Slán), shows that two-thirds of adults are overweight with close to 25 per cent being defined as obese.

The study found that respondents to the study consumed an average daily intake of 2,278 calories a day, excluding calories from alcohol.

According to the report, women are much more likely to be obese than men.

A major concern highlighted in the study is the over consumption of foods high in fats and sugar, such as oils, butter, cakes and biscuits. On average, Slán 2007 respondents consumed 7.3 daily servings of these types of food, which according to the food pyramid should be 'used sparingly'.

The level of salt in the Irish diet is also a concern with 71 per cent of all respondents exceeding the upper recommended intake limit of 6g of salt per day.

On a positive note, 65 per cent of respondents consumed at least 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day, with many respondents consuming more than the current recommended target.

The Slán 07 Study was funded by the Department of Health and Children, and the analysis for the sub-report on nutrition was carried out by the UCC Department of Epidemiology and Public Health led by Professor Ivan Perry.

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Mary Wallace, said today that tackling the obesity problem was her main priority.

"The findings from this report confirm that, as a population, we eat far too many foods which are high in fat, sugar and salt. We all need to make a conscious effort to reduce our intake of these foods. Poor dietary habits are a major threat to the health and well-being of the population. The message from this new report to eat healthy foods and to reduce our consumption of high fat and sugary foods could not be any clearer," said Minister Wallace.

The Minister was today criticised by opposition party TDs for not coming up with an adequate plan of action.

"We need to take another look at food labelling system to make dietary information clearer than is currently the case. People have a fundamental right to a clear and concise explanation of the fat and sugar content as well as the origin of what they are consuming in this day and age," said Sean Sherlock, Labour Party spokesman on Food.

Mr Sherlock also called on political leaders and other public figures to lead by example by making some effort to adopt a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle.

The Irish Heart Foundation said the study findings showed that obesity is a societal problem which requires attention not just from the Government, but also individuals and the food industry.

"With 64 per cent of adults and one in four children either overweight or obese, Ireland is facing serious health problems across the nation in the shape of rising health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, angina, heart attack and osteoarthritis, which are directly linked to obesity," said Michael O'Shea, chief executive of the Irish Heart Foundation.