Obesity is the most significant public health issue confronting the current generation in Northern Ireland, according to the Chief Medial Officer.

Dr Michael McBride said levels of obesity continue to increase, which in turn is contributing to a rise in diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

There are now over 75,000 people with diabetes; almost twice as many as 10 years ago.

Dr McBride made the announcement today as he launched his seventh annual report at Lisnasharragh Primary School in Belfast.

He said that, while there have been improvements in the health of the public in Northern Ireland, there are still "significant challenges" to overcome.

"I am very concerned about smoking rates where a quarter of adults continue to smoke in spite of concerted campaigns, new legislation and comprehensive smoking cessation services," he said.

"Excessive and irresponsible alcohol consumption especially in young people is also threatening to unravel a generation of good work in public health and put further pressure on our health services. Therefore I think we should continue to engage in the debate about measures such as minimum pricing of alcohol and further restrictions on smoking such as in private vehicles with children present."

The 2012/13 Health Survey Northern Ireland found that just over half of adults in Northern Ireland meet the recommended levels of physical activity.

"Living a sedentary lifestyle can potentially contribute to increased risk of long-term health problems," Dr McBride continued.

"Active travel is an easy way for people to build physical activity into their daily life, for example walking or cycling instead of taking the car. I would encourage everyone to try to increase the amount of physical activity they take, as it can bring many health benefits."

(IT)