Further Commitments Made To Tackling Obesity

Health Minister Simon Hamilton has pledged further commitment towards tackling obesity in Northern Ireland.

The Minister was speaking following the publication of outcomes for the period 2015-2019 to support implementation of 'A Fitter Future for All 2012-2022'.

The 10-year plan launched in March 2012 is a strategy for preventing and addressing overweight and obesity. The Obesity Prevention Steering Group is committed to reviewing and refreshing the outcomes after the first three years.

Publishing the outcomes he wishes to see achieved over the period 2015-2019, Mr Hamilton said: "Overweight and obesity are well-proven risk factors for many long-term health conditions and there are too many people in Northern Ireland whose weight may be contributing towards their current or future ill health.

"The 2015-19 outcomes within A Fitter Future for All illustrate my continued commitment, along with that of other Government Departments, agencies, and partners, to try and improve the quality of people's lives by promoting better food and nutritional habits, and increasing participation in physical activity."

Outcomes to cover the period 2015-2019 include:

• Child carers' attendance at Nutrition Matters for the Early Years training a requirement for registration

• Councils' supported to have a play and leisure policy and action plans in place

• Increased opportunities for participation in play and physical activity for children and young people particularly in areas of deprivation

• Active Travel to/from workplaces further supported and work undertaken with employers on workplace physical activity schemes.

(LM)