Ireland launches national obesity plan | Progresiv
The Irish government has launched an ambitious national obesity plan which proposes a sugary drinks tax, maximum portion sizes, marketing restrictions and reformulation targets - but the lack of funding to implement the policy has led to criticism from campaigners.The Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, together with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone TD, and the Minister of State for Health Promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD launched “A Healthy Weight for Ireland – Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016- 2025”. The policy and action plan aims to reverse obesity trends, to prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system and the wider society and economy. 
In recent years, levels of overweight and obesity have increased dramatically with 60% of adults and one in four children in Ireland either overweight or obese. It is estimated that the cost to society in Ireland of adult obesity exceeds 1 billion euros per annum. Overweight and obesity are significant risk factors for many chronic diseases. The links between obesity and heart disease, cancers, Type 2 diabetes, mental health issues, respiratory problems and musculoskeletal conditions are well established.
The Ministers announced a range of actions which would be undertaken over the coming years to address the growing concerns about overweight and obesity. These include
- new national Healthy Eating Guidelines
- Calorie Posting Legislation
- Development of a Nutrition Policy
- A new clinical Lead for Obesity will be appointed in the HSE
- Prioritisation of Obesity services in the HSE service plans for 2017 and subsequent years
- support for introduction of a Sugar Levy to encourage a reduction in the rates of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages
- Working with key stakeholders to develop a voluntary industry Code of Practice re food advertising, promotion and marketing
- “whole of school” approaches to healthy lifestyles with the Department Education and Skills
- Development of guidelines in relation to the built environment
- Agreement on food reformulation targets with the food industry and establishment of a forum for engagement with industry on best practice initiatives towards a healthy food environment. (www.health.gov.ie)
