25 Jan 2011

Obesity is an important risk factor for many health conditions from cancer and heart disease to diabetes.  The IPH publication Making diabetes count – what does the future hold? predicted that between 2005 to 2015 in Northern Ireland there will be a 26% increase in the number of people with Type 2 diabetes. So if current trends continue an estimated 84,226 in Northern Ireland and 193,944 in the Republic of Ireland will have adult diabetes by 2015, a total of 278,170 people across the island.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety recently led the development of a cross-Departmental, cross-sectoral Obesity Prevention Framework for Northern Ireland 2011-2021, entitled A Fitter Future For All, which seeks to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity throughout Northern Ireland. 

The IPH response to this consultation agrees that addressing obesity needs cross government action, is the responsibility of a wide range of Departments, sectors and agencies (including those beyond the health sector) and needs stronger evidence-informed policy and practice.  This position is based on the substantial burden of these conditions for individuals and their families, the already strained health and social care services, and our fragile economy.  It is supported by all key international agencies.

Access the IPH response here