Big changes sought to tackle obesity

A NEW public health campaign has been launched to help parents tackle childhood obesity.

As part of the safefood campaign, parents are being urged to make practical changes to everyday lifestyle habits such as portion sizes, drinks and screen time.

It is hoped that this will make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of children and combat the high levels of children who are overweight and obese.

The campaign will feature on television, radio, poster and point of sale advertising and includes a free booklet for parents that will be available nationwide in crèches, health centres, GP surgeries, and from public health nurses and local libraries.

Launching the campaign, Minister for Health Dr James Reilly TD said:

“Obesity presents a real clinical, social and financial challenge which will have a detrimental legacy lasting decades and which will undoubtedly lead Ireland to an unhealthy and extremely costly, if not unaffordable, future if action is not taken now.

“I want to encourage everybody to help create generations of healthy children who can enjoy their lives to the full and reach their full potential as they develop into adults by making healthier food choices, by being more active and taking the first steps towards reducing overweight and obesity.”

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald said childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in Europe and Ireland is one of the countries worst affected.

“The Growing Up in Ireland survey, 2011, which is funded by my Department, found that one in four children as young as three-years-of-age are overweight or obese,

? said Minister Fitzgerald.

“I particularly welcome this new campaign as it seeks to help parents with very practical tips and ideas for actions they can take.

“We know from research that tackling obesity in childhood requires a family-centred approach, that is part of a wide ranging multi-agency set of initiatives.

?

Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director of Human Health and Nutrition, safefood, said:

“We have based our campaign on strong feedback from parents that they wanted a solutions-based approach.

“For this phase we’re focusing on reducing portion sizes for children, replacing sugary drinks with water and being realistic about foods that should be treat foods.

“While parents may be somewhat aware of the sugar levels in fizzy drinks, they may not be as aware of the sugar content in juice drinks and cordials, and research tells us they are regularly given to children at mealtimes.

“The sugar content of these drinks varies enormously and parents need to consider replacing these drinks with water instead,

? added Dr Foley-Nolan.

To find out more about the campaign, including how-to videos from health experts and practical advice and guides for parents, visit www.safefood.eu