Obesity Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017

Tuesday, 23 May 2017

Questions (472)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

472. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost to the healthcare system, in terms of hospital care and medications, of those living with obesity; if his Department has carried out a cost-benefit analysis of the wider implementation of obesity treatment programmes versus current long term spending on obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity related cancers and heart disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24277/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

A 2009 Safefood study has indicated that the direct and indirect cost of obesity in Ireland was estimated at €1.13 billion. As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.