John Bruton
Ceist:158 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the research he is undertaking into the increased obesity levels among the population with particular reference to trends in nutrition. [14470/01]
Written Answers. - Obesity Levels.
Recent preliminary results from the North-South Ireland food consumption survey which was conducted by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance highlights the levels of obesity and compliments the national health and lifestyle surveys published by my Department in February 1999.
Two key lifestyle issues associated with obesity 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 in the general public on healthy eating based on the food pyramid. Recently the campaign has encouraged the public to look at their fat intake and to reduce total fat, particularly saturated fat. This campaign stresses that the key to a healthy lifestyle is small gradual changes to eating and exercise habits in order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The theme of this year's national healthy eating campaign is ready, steady, go for low fat healthy eating and addresses healthy eating and physical activity behaviours associated with obesity.
The second phase of the Ireland needs a change of heart campaign – a national mass media campaign to promote heart healthy lifestyles – will focus on physical activity. This campaign is due to be launched next week on 23 May. It will target the sedentary population, particularly older people, young people and the workplace.
Both of these campaigns are run nationally in conjunction with the health boards.