We need to tackle obesity

Ulster Unionist MLA Sam Gardiner has outlined the need to address obesity in Northern Ireland during an Assembly debate looking at the problem.

The Upper Bann MLA highlighted the fact that 60 per cent of the adult population and one in five school children in Northern Ireland are classed as obese, something he described as 'gravely worrying'.

He looked at the overall cost; "Anti-obesity drugs are costing the Health Service locally £2 million a year - However looking at the bigger picture this is estimated at £500 million a year, much of which relates to lost working days."

He stressed the need for education; "Much is already being done at a local level - I myself sit on the board of governors of two primary schools - Dickson Primary and Carrick Primary - who run breakfast clubs in order to encourage healthy eating. Children are dropped off at 8.00 am and have breakfast in school, as opposed to them bringing in sweet stuff to eat. The children plant apple trees, carrots, parsnips, beetroot and the like in the school grounds, and they take an amazing interest in a healthier lifestyle. We are on the right track in trying to overcome the problem. It is a matter of changing attitudes towards food for the long term."

Looking at the food sector he added; "There needs to be greater regulation within the food sector. The big food producers of cereal for example have a vested interest in selling their products. Recently, however, there have been some horror stories about the contents of some breakfast cereals. Researchers have discovered that a 30 g bowl of Kellogg's cornflakes contains more salt than a bag of Walker's ready salted crisps. Parents therefore who are trying to promote a healthier lifestyle for their children are being hindered in their attempts as labeling is not always adequate."

"In welcoming the Health Committee's report, I stress that it is only the beginning - unfortunately we have started to tackle this problem in Northern Ireland long after every other part of the country."