Most people in Northern Ireland could be obese by 2050 if immediate action is not taken, a report by the Assembly's health committee warned today.
The problem could spiral to unmanageable levels with up to 60 per cent of men and half of women could be badly overweight with massive strain on healthcare budgets, the report said.
The committee's report said: "Growing levels of obesity will continue to generate enormous costs to society, particularly the health and social care sector in the years ahead.
"Given this and the potential for significant cost benefits, we believe it is imperative that substantial and sustained resources are provided to implement the new life course strategy."
Committee chairman Jim Wells said: "The committee was shocked at the prevalence of obesity in our society.
"The health complications that are associated with it affect all of our people, both young and old. The committee urged that funding be earmarked and not consumed by other emerging priorities.
It called on the North's Public Health Agency to make tackling obesity its top priority and bring together all government bodies.
The report recommended the North's the Department of Health should commission an urgent audit of obesity-related initiatives so examples of good practice can be rolled out more widely.
It also advocated the Public Health Agency should maintain a central database of projects.
The report added: "We call on the minister (Michael McGimpsey) as a matter of urgency to undertake a comprehensive review of weight management services at all levels for adults and children."
The paper also highlighted the need to develop a broad strategy to tackle obesity across different population groups.
PA