01/11/2018
Rise In Obesity Related Deaths In NI
Deaths involving obesity have almost doubled in Northern Ireland over an eight-year period, according to new statistics.
The Department of Health figures showed being overweight was listed on 64 death certificates in 2016.
The figure has increased from the 33 mentions recorded in 2008.
The British Medical Association (BMA) said the number of death certificate references, however, failed to fully represent the full impact of the problem on society.
Dr Paul Darragh said: "Generally about 63% of the population here are overweight, around 25% are obese.
"This can lead to a whole range of lifelong health conditions including hypertension, diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer.
"There is a need to take effective action. Around one in five children are obese, that's a burden that will impact their health for the rest of their lives."
Around 14,500 deaths are recorded annually in Northern Ireland, and obesity was mentioned on 487 certificates between 2008 and 2016.
Dr Darragh called for measures to tackle the growing epidemic, including more easily understood labels on food, restrictions on the marketing of foods higher in sugar, fat and salt, and better education on making informed dietary choices.
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland estimated in 2015 that of all the children in Northern Ireland, more than 30,000 are expected to die prematurely as a result of childhood obesity.
"The lifetime burden of childhood obesity is huge and, if unaddressed, will pose a burden for future generations, the economy and our healthcare system," said spokesman Kevin Balanda.
(JG/CM)
The Department of Health figures showed being overweight was listed on 64 death certificates in 2016.
The figure has increased from the 33 mentions recorded in 2008.
The British Medical Association (BMA) said the number of death certificate references, however, failed to fully represent the full impact of the problem on society.
Dr Paul Darragh said: "Generally about 63% of the population here are overweight, around 25% are obese.
"This can lead to a whole range of lifelong health conditions including hypertension, diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer.
"There is a need to take effective action. Around one in five children are obese, that's a burden that will impact their health for the rest of their lives."
Around 14,500 deaths are recorded annually in Northern Ireland, and obesity was mentioned on 487 certificates between 2008 and 2016.
Dr Darragh called for measures to tackle the growing epidemic, including more easily understood labels on food, restrictions on the marketing of foods higher in sugar, fat and salt, and better education on making informed dietary choices.
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland estimated in 2015 that of all the children in Northern Ireland, more than 30,000 are expected to die prematurely as a result of childhood obesity.
"The lifetime burden of childhood obesity is huge and, if unaddressed, will pose a burden for future generations, the economy and our healthcare system," said spokesman Kevin Balanda.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 November 2023
Two New NI Obesity Strategies In Development
The Department of Health has announced the development of two new obesity strategy for Northern Ireland. The department has launched two separate public consultations on a new Regional Obesity Management Service and a new Obesity Strategic Framework.
Two New NI Obesity Strategies In Development
The Department of Health has announced the development of two new obesity strategy for Northern Ireland. The department has launched two separate public consultations on a new Regional Obesity Management Service and a new Obesity Strategic Framework.
22 January 2024
DoH Calls For Participants For New Obesity Strategic Framework
The Department of Health has invited the public to participate in the development of 'Heathy Futures', a new Obesity Strategic Framework. The Department launched two separate public consultations on the development of a new Regional Obesity Management Service and a new Obesity Strategic Framework which both close on 16 February 2024.
DoH Calls For Participants For New Obesity Strategic Framework
The Department of Health has invited the public to participate in the development of 'Heathy Futures', a new Obesity Strategic Framework. The Department launched two separate public consultations on the development of a new Regional Obesity Management Service and a new Obesity Strategic Framework which both close on 16 February 2024.
13 January 2025
PHA Urges Realistic Health Goals This National Obesity Week
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to set realistic health goals this National Obesity Week (10-16 January) to improve their long-term wellbeing. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, warned against setting overly ambitious targets.
PHA Urges Realistic Health Goals This National Obesity Week
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to set realistic health goals this National Obesity Week (10-16 January) to improve their long-term wellbeing. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, warned against setting overly ambitious targets.
22 May 2025
New Regional Obesity Management Service Approved For NI
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has given the green light for a new Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS) for Northern Ireland, marking a significant step in addressing the region's public health challenge. The service, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, is scheduled to begin its initial phase in early 2026.
New Regional Obesity Management Service Approved For NI
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has given the green light for a new Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS) for Northern Ireland, marking a significant step in addressing the region's public health challenge. The service, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, is scheduled to begin its initial phase in early 2026.
19 March 2019
Plans Progressing For NI Weight-Loss Unit
Proposals for Northern Ireland's first weight-loss centre are being forwarded by the Department of Health. The assessment will focus on the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen as the location.
Plans Progressing For NI Weight-Loss Unit
Proposals for Northern Ireland's first weight-loss centre are being forwarded by the Department of Health. The assessment will focus on the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen as the location.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.