Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
895. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has commissioned, or plans to commission, an updated national costing of overweight and obesity in Ireland, given that the most recent dedicated study dates from 2012 and current figures rely on academic estimates rather than HSE financial data; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47828/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland Framework (Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025).
OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and the overall aim is to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications, and reduce the impact of overweight and obesity on health outcomes for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. It recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. OPAP is well aligned with the World Health Organisation in terms of the breadth of policy measures that have been introduced or are being considered in order to address the obesity epidemic.
Under OPAP, Ireland put in place a comprehensive, cross-Government strategy to address obesity and overweight. Since 2016 significant progress has been made in delivering on the Ten Step Programme of OPAP and to drive policy initiatives and actions, ranging from health promotion and education initiatives and obesity prevention measures through to establishing services to treat and manage obesity within the health care system.
The new OPAP is currently in development and is expected to be completed and published by the end of this year. As part of the development of the new OPAP, the Department is currently exploring all avenues and options to improve the health and wellbeing of those who live with obesity.
