Data presented at the recent European Obesity Congress by the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that 85 per cent of Irish women will be overweight and 57 per cent will be classified as obese by 2030. Some 89 per cent of men here will be overweight, with just under half being labelled obese. The hitherto unpublished statistical modelling puts Irish men at the top of an "overweight" table of 53 countries, matched only by Uzbekistan. Women in Ireland are predicted to have the third highest proportion of overweight and obese individuals in Europe by 2030.
The accuracy of such predictive modelling is open to question. WHO itself advised caution, pointing out the study was a relatively small one based on nationally available data, which may already be out of date. Exact comparisons between national statistics is difficult, due to differences in definitions and data collection. And the use of self-reporting of height and weight in national research is necessarily subjective.
Such caveats about obesity league tables notwithstanding, the State faces a significant challenge from the health effects of overweight and obesity. The prevalence of heart disease, stroke and some cancers is directly linked to obesity levels; as these continue to rise the effect on individuals and the health system cannot be underestimated. Both the causes and solutions of the issue extend beyond the health sector. The role of environment, education and tax policy must be acknowledged as part of a whole-of-government approach.
A new obesity action plan currently being prepared by the Department of Health must be an inclusive one – dovetailing with Healthy Ireland, the national framework for action to improve health and wellbeing. As well as focusing on diet through healthy eating guidelines and the selective taxation of unhealthy food choices, there is a need to promote greater physical activity among Irish people of all ages. By taking concerted and determined action over the next 15 years we can defy the recent WHO predictions.