Vol. 537 No. 1
130 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of alarming trends regarding obesity here, especially among young people, he will make a comprehensive statement on the health risks associated with these trends; and if he has satisfied himself that sufficient resources are being devoted to promoting public information on this topic. [15442/01]
I am aware of the trends regarding obesity among young people and concerned that unhealthy lifestyle habits at a young age will pose greater health difficulties in later life such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Two key lifestyle issues associated with obesity are unhealthy eating and physical inactivity. The national healthy eating campaign, run by the health promotion unit of my Department, has over the past nine years sought to raise awareness of young people on healthy eating. Recently the campaign has encouraged the public to look at their fat intake and to reduce total fat in particular saturated fat. This campaign stresses that the key to a healthy lifestyle is small gradual changes to eating and exercise habits in order 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 addresses key eating and physical activity issues associated to 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. Launched this week, the campaign will target the sedentary population, in particular older people and the workplace. A booklet developed to support the campaign, will be available to the public and will be delivered to targeted socially disadvantaged areas. This booklet includes activities for families and young people.
Both of these campaigns are run nationally and supported at local level in the health boards by a range of activities throughout the year.
