Louise O'Reilly
Question:2089. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the details of the new adult obesity campaign 2022-2025 being devised by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36521/21]
View answerTuesday, 27 July 2021
Questions (2089)
Written answers
The policy instrument for obesity in Ireland is “A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), which was launched in September 2016 as part of the Healthy Ireland Framework. The OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy.
The OPAP has had a particular focus on families with children in its early years and children’s overweight and obesity has received significant funding and focus through the START campaign co-ordinated by safefood in partnership with the HSE.
Data from the Healthy Ireland Survey 2019 shows that 37% of adults are overweight and 25% are obese. Just over a third (34%) of people in Ireland are trying to lose weight, with 49% of those who are overweight or obese currently trying to lose weight. The proposed adult obesity campaign is still in the early stages of development, with an intention for it to be rolled out in the first half of 2022.