Sir, – Dr Anne Dee’s comments regarding the scale of the obesity crisis in Ireland are extremely worrying (Home News, May 23rd). The growth in overweight and obesity levels over the past 20 years is a problem of epic proportions which has yet to be significantly addressed by government. The affordability of foods high in salt, fat and sugar and the decline in general activity levels has led to what is referred to now as a “obesogenic environment”.
This epidemic is not only damaging our general health and wellbeing, but it is also posing a massive burden on a struggling public Exchequer. SafeFood estimates that the overweight and obesity crisis is costing the island of Ireland approximately €1.16 billion every year. In addition, SafeFood also state that this is a conservative estimate.
Unfortunately, succcessive governments have neglected to tackle this problem with the urgency it requires. I would not be so harsh however as Dr Dee in stating that the Fine Gael-Labour coalition has taken no action on this matter, as I do believe James Reilly is making important moves in the right direction to bring this problem under control. Unfortunately, the Government is being obstructed at almost every turn by extremely powerful and well-resourced organisations, such as Food and Drinks Association Ireland, which are are spending massive amounts of money to stop the introduction of measures aimed at curbing the rise in overweight and obesity levels. These included measures such as calorie counts on menus and traffic light warnings on food labels.
In order to effect change in a meaningful way, it is absolutely essential that Government, interest groups and communities throughout Ireland come together and stand up to these vested interests. It must become a priority if we are to halt this epidemic. – Yours, etc,
ALAN KEEGAN
Howth Road,
Raheny,
Dublin 5.