Why we need a joined-up effort to tackle obesity
By Nigel Gould
06 October 2006
A leading Ulster politician today called for a "cross-sectoral" approach to tackling the province's obesity crisis.
DUP MP Iris Robinson was speaking after the Belfast Telegraph highlighted the major problems health experts here are facing in dealing with the crisis.
Earlier in the week, new chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, revealed that tackling obesity was his number one priority.
And yesterday, we told how crisp manufacturers and health crusaders were locked in a dispute over a shock ad by the British Heart Foundation.
The ad, showing a girl drinking cooking oil, is the latest in a series of posters by the charity, aimed at changing children's and parents' attitudes to food.
Mrs Robinson, the DUP's health spokeswoman, said: "The BHF is campaigning to expose the hidden salt, fat and sugar prevalent in everyday foods.
"I know that some have questioned the methods used by the BHF on this occasion to get their point across. Undoubtedly however, the imagery sometimes has to be fairly hard-hitting in order to have an impact.
"The consequences of poor diet in young people can be immense. Overall one in four girls and one in five boys in primary one in Northern Ireland are now considered to be either obese or overweight. Unfortunately lifestyle habits in young children, once established, tend to become routine.
"A cross-sectoral approach to tackling obesity is essential. A healthy diet and more physical activity must be encouraged in our schools. Children no longer walk to school and there are fewer opportunities to participate in sport at school.
"We consume too much junk food and ready made meals. Many families no longer take time to sit down around the table for meals.
"Levels of obesity have increased year on year since 1997 and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are much more likely in people who are overweight. As well as the obvious impact on the health of individuals, obesity and its consequences have a massive economic impact on resources and spending."
A spokesperson for the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland said that crisps should only be eaten occasionally or in small amounts "as part of a healthy balanced diet".
Tackling Obesity in the UK
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