In 2024/25, two-thirds (67%) of adults were living with either overweight (36%) or obesity (30%) (Health Survey Northern Ireland First Results 2024-25). Overweight and obesity rates are not evenly spread throughout the population with people living in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland more likely to live with overweight and obesity. In 2024/25 the percentage of primary 1 pupils affected by obesity in the most deprived areas was 73% higher than the rate in the least deprived areas. For year 8 pupils, the most-least deprived gap was slightly wider at 87% (Health Inequalities Annual Report 2026 | Department of Health). 

PHA is responsible for delivering on priorities within the Healthy Futures strategy. This new strategic framework has been developed to enhance obesity prevention efforts, informed by research and stakeholder consultations. This framework emphasises a whole system approach, targeting specific groups and addressing health inequalities. It aims to prevent and manage obesity through education, treatment services, and a person-centred approach.  The PHA is working in the following way to (i) reduce obesity; and (ii) improve dietary health, among the NI population.

The Public Health Agency does this by commissioning a range of services to support obesity prevention across Northern Ireland. 

• A range of community-based nutrition education programmes, such as Cook It! Food Values and Food and Health Essentials are commissioned to increase knowledge and understanding of healthy eating and develop cooking skills, building both confidence and competence. 
• A suite of nutrition videos, including webinars and time-lapse videos are available online covering a range of key nutrition issues such as food and mood, healthy eating, feeding your family for less, weaning, kids’ lunchboxes. Public Health Dietitians YouTube channel  Public Health Dietitians - YouTube

Ensuring that food served to staff and visitors in HSC settings meets nutritional standards.  Plans are being developed to roll out to Councils and wider public sector. 

The PHA produce a variety of resources, including leaflets and posters which can be downloaded from the PHA’s website or sourced locally from the Health and Social Care Trust libraries.

The Northern Healthy Lifestyles Partnership (NHLP) is a collaborative initiative designed to address obesity and promote healthier lifestyles within the NHSCT area. The service encompasses a range of public health activities, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding, and general health improvement. 

NHLP’s work is delivered through coordinated partnerships with councils, health and social care services, the community and voluntary sector, and local schools. It aims to align with the regional public health strategies and local Council Community Plans.

PARS is a regional initiative commissioned by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to provide eligible patients with an opportunity to engage in a 12-week programme of physical activity or exercise under the guidance of a suitably qualified exercise professional which may act as a catalyst to long term behaviour change. 

The PHA has commissioned PARS across all 11 council areas in 58 centres to allow GPs and other relevant NHS registered health professionals e.g. Physiotherapists, Dietitians and Mental Health practitioners to make referrals directly to participating Community and Leisure Centres.

The Walking for Health programme was established in 2001 and continues to be an integral part of Government policy to address the health and wellbeing of the population in Northern Ireland. The programme is delivered through HSC Trusts across Northern Ireland and is supported by PHA. Walking for Health aims to encourage inactive people to increase their level of physical activity by participating in local led health walks. 

Walk Leaders are key to the success of Walking for Health in Northern Ireland and they have a unique and valuable contribution to make to health improvement, complementing the work of Health and Social Care staff. All Walk Leaders are provided with training, networking opportunities, and advice and support on establishing, promoting and running successful walking groups. 

Walking for Health Groups are provided throughout Northern Ireland.