Obesity has become a serious problem in our society because of poor eating habits and inadequate exercise. A recent survey showed 14 per cent of men and 12 per cent of women to be obese, with double that number being fat and overweight. And while we have some way to go in reaching the horrifying obesity levels being experienced in the United States, we are rapidly moving in that direction.
The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, will announce the composition of a Government task force to counteract obesity next Wednesday. Membership will be made up of public servants and health professionals along with representatives of consumers, the food and drinks industry and communications. They will make recommendations on how to tackle this serious disease which increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart failure. Obesity also raises blood fat levels and poses an increased threat of gall bladder problems.
Recognition of the threat to public health and welfare, and the attendant costs of long-term medical care, has been slow in coming. But legal action against fast food outlets in the United States for their role in causing ill-health has stimulated debate within the food industry and a new awareness is developing of the need for a balanced diet.
McDonald's, the world's largest fast-food firm, has introduced fresh vegetables and low-calorie options to its menus. Super-size portions are to be phased out in Britain after a similar decision in the US. Earlier this week, the Irish food and drinks industry acknowledged it has a major role to play in minimising the prevalence of obesity here. In its first policy statement on diet and physical activity, the industry's representative body sought the co-operation of many groups in educating the public, and particularly children, on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. In that regard, the advertising of products with a high sugar content will have to be controlled, and the need for regular exercise and participation in sporting activities encouraged.
It is vital that Irish companies be innovative in this area because so much of their business is export-led. The British market for fast food ingredients, confectionery snacks, fresh/chilled dairy produce, soft drinks and alcohol is estimated to be worth €31 billion a year and is a major outlet for Irish produce. If we are to capitalise on the growing concerns of parents over what their children eat and the effect it has on their health, the fat and salt content in processed food must be reduced and greater emphasis placed on the benefits of low-calorie products.