'We must resist the notion that it is normal to be overweight'

Obesity is a national disaster that can be solved only if government, industry and citizens work for change, writes DR MUIREANN CULLEN

DR DONAL O’SHEA’S most alarming conclusion from the revealing interviews conducted here is that we are now beginning to accept that being overweight is normal.

Obesity is no longer a personal tragedy. It is a challenge that threatens our society and our economy, as well as our citizens. More than anything, we must resist the notion that it is normal and therefore acceptable.

An obese person dies on average nine years earlier than a person of normal weight. A very obese person dies on average 13 years earlier. The reasons are simple. Overweight and obesity increase heart disease, diabetes and cancer rates.

The human cost of this problem can’t be measured in monetary terms, but the economic cost can. In 2005, a Department of Health and Children report estimated that obesity cost up to €4 billion a year. Six years on, this figure is under review. And it won’t be reviewed downwards.

The solution is to be found through a national approach involving all stakeholders – government, food industry and citizens.

The Government and State agencies need to create conditions that lead to healthy eating and support parents in raising healthy children. They must make decisions across all policy areas in the interests of public health.

For example, town planning, public architecture and public transport networks need to be built in a way that promotes physical activity. The National Physical Activity Guidelines must be improved upon and explained more.

The National Nutrition Policy and new dietary guidelines are eagerly awaited, so that a new co-ordinated and coherent approach can be taken with regards to our diet and physical activity levels.

Some elements of the food industry are playing their part, though all companies must get involved. In many products, salt, sugar and fat levels have been reduced or removed through product reformulation, development or improved choice of portion sizes.

Customers can encourage companies to provide healthier options. Without customer support, products don’t sell. Through purchasing power, we can ask for more healthy options.

Obesity could be seen as an inevitable consequence of a society in which energy-dense and cheap foods, labour-saving devices, motorised transport and sedentary work/lifestyles are easily available. However, we can choose the nature of our society. And we can change it.

Dr Muireann Cullen is head of the Nutrition and Health Foundation, a body which aims to promote health, funded by the food industry.