National Obesity Policy must be fast-tracked to tackle Ireland’s growing obesity problem – Fitzpatrick

Fine Gael TD, Peter Fitzpatrick, has called for the publication of the National Obesity Policy and Action Plan to be fast-tracked to tackle Ireland’s growing obesity problem.

“As a member of the Oireachtas Health Committee and someone who believes passionately in promoting a healthy lifestyle, I have highlighted on many occasions the danger that obesity poses to our young people in particular.

“The Fine Gael led Government launched Healthy Ireland, an initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of the people of Ireland now and for generations to come. This all-encompassing approach is integral to delivering for the whole of society but we need to do more.

“The findings of a recent study published in the Lancet, which show Irish men have the highest average BMI in Europe and women the third highest, are unfortunately not surprising. It is expected that by 2025 38% of men and 37% of women in Ireland will be obese.

“In the last 40 years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of obese people worldwide, increasing from 105m in 1975 to 641m in 2014. This is a problem that is not going away. It is getting worse.

“We cannot afford to waste time in tacking this issue and I am calling on the Department of Health to fast-track the publication of a National Obesity Policy and Action Plan as a matter of urgency.”