‘Dead Fat’ – obesity and public health

The Public Health Agency welcomes the contribution of the BBC ‘Dead Fat’ programme in highlighting the serious health risks associated with being overweight and obese. Obesity is a major public health issue in Northern Ireland and needs a coordinated approach across society to support individuals who want to make life saving changes. The PHA is committed to playing a lead role to help prevent and reduce the levels of overweight and obesity amongst the population of Northern Ireland.

As we are in the run-up to an election, the PHA must observe protocols about how public bodies should not raise policy related issues in public settings and therefore we are not in a position to contribute more actively to the ‘live debate’ programme tonight. This has been discussed with programme makers at the planning stage.

The PHA leads on a range of activities which contribute to reducing obesity, such as promoting breastfeeding, funding local programmes to increase awareness of good nutrition and develop cooking skills, programmes to promote more active lifestyles, for example, ‘Walking for Health’, community allotments, programmes for primary school children and sports and other recreation for young people.

Further information on losing weight; healthier eating; and physical activity can be found on the PHA websites - www.getalifegetactive.com and www.enjoyhealthyeating.info. These contain help and advice for anyone who wants to improve their eating habits and fitness levels, by making small, sustainable, healthy changes to their lifestyle. The PHA leaflet, 'Small changes, big benefits' is also available to download.