Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
1295. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the implications of obesity as a comorbidity for Covid-19; if additional resources are planned to address obesity in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20471/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraObesity has long been recognised as a risk factor for a number of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions, as well as obesity itself, have been identified with an increased risk factor for a more severe form of COVID-19 disease.
In recognition of the seriousness of the obesity crisis in Ireland, ‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda. 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 Plan recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. Childhood obesity is a key priority under the Policy, as is reducing the inequalities seen in obesity rates, where children (and adults) from lower socioeconomic groups have higher levels of obesity. Evidence-based actions are being progressed under the Plan on a number of fronts, including the preparation of Healthy Eating Guidelines for 1 to 5 year-olds, and the finalisation of a Roadmap in relation to the reformulation of unhealthy food and drink.
Obesity is a priority area for the new Government, and this is clearly reflected in the Programme for Government, "Our Shared Future". It is also a high priority of mine in my capacity as Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy. In terms of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, work is underway for a meeting of the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group to be held in the near future, to look at the policy context, including in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, and to prepare to take this work forward in the months to come. The question of additional resources will be examined in this context and in the context of the Estimates process.
