Irish obesity 'nearing epidemic proportions'

Obesity is nearing epidemic proportions and needs to be urgently addressed across the island lest recent medical advances become obsolete, a conference heard today.

Tackling Obesity Together - Every Step Countsis a joint cross border movement to tackle obesity, organised by the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children and the Health Promotion Agency of Northern Ireland.  It will hear today and tomorrow of the need to halt the growing problem of obesity on both sides of the border.

In opening speeches today, Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive, Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, warned: "If action isn't taken soon to address this problem we will be wiping out all the medical advances made over the past few decades," he said.

The conference will focus on the roles of physical activity and nutrition in the fight against "this deadly serious issue," which effects one in eight Irish people.

Dr Tim Lobstein, Co-ordinator of the Childhood Obesity Programme at the International Obesity TaskForce,  criticised policy issues and an obesogenic environment for failing to stop the problem.

Dr Lobstein warned that if the problem was not addressed there could be a "global explosion of illnesses that will drain economies, create enormous suffering and cause millions of premature deaths."

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Mr Power, said that it was the duty of the policy-makers to bring about a shift in public thinking, as was done with the smoking ban, and enlighten people, especially children, as to the dangers of unhealthy eating and lack of exercise.  Obesity rates in Irish children have tripled over the last 10 years.

"The challenge we are facing together is to harness support and commitment across all sectors that have an influence on the issue of obesity ," said Mr Power.

"Together, as health professionals, policy makers and educators, we need to work in unison to promote, support and encourage adults and in particular, children, in making healthier choices.

"However, there is an onus on policy makers, Government Departments, the food industry, the leisure industry and a host of other stakeholders to make the healthy choice the easy choice,"  Mr Power said.

The conference is also attended by members of the food industry which has been criticised for dramatically increasing portion sizes over recent years and pricing healthier food higher than unhealthy convenience food.