Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Promotion.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

100 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recent report showing that Ireland had one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, he has any plans for a new campaign to promote better diet, especially having regard to the link between obesity and cardiovascular disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9982/01]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

103 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the findings of recent reports which show an unacceptable level of obesity and low fitness levels among our population; the policy initiatives he proposes to take to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6719/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 103 together.

I have reviewed the North-South Ireland food consumption survey which was conducted by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance. This survey highlights the levels of obesity and physical activity and compliments the national health and lifestyle surveys published by my Department in February 1999.

Two key lifestyle issues associated with obesity and low fitness levels are healthy eating and physical activity. The national healthy eating campaign, run by the health promotion unit of my Department, has over the past eight years raised awareness among the general public on healthy eating based on the food pyramid. Recently the campaign has encouraged members of the public to look at their fat intake and to reduce total fat, in particular saturated fat. This campaign identifies that the key to a healthy lifestyle is small gradual changes to eating and exercise habits to maintain the correct body weight. The theme of this year's national healthy eating campaign is ready, steady, go for low fat healthy eating and will address key eating and physical activity issues associated with obesity and low fitness levels.

In relation to physical activity, the second phase of Ireland Needs a Change of Heart – a national mass media campaign to promote heart healthy lifestyles – is focusing on physical activity. This campaign is due to be launched in June and it will target the sedentary population, in particular older people and the workplace.

Both of these campaigns are run nationally in conjunction with the health boards.

Top
Share