Weight problems worsen in Northern Ireland
Fears that the levels of clinically obese people in Northern Ireland could rise so high that in 40 years time the health service won’t be able to cope under the sheer volume of obese patients requiring treatment.
The forecast predicts that 50% of women and at least two thirds of men will fall into this category by 2050 and require medical help. At present within Northern Ireland around 450 deaths per year have stemmed from obesity related problems, and its estimated that the average life expectancy has been reduced by nine years because if it.
To combat the problem, the Northern Irish health council are recommending compulsory classes for school children on food education and are looking at implementing advertising bans on unhealthy foods, plus there is the consideration to introduce a traffic light system on food packaging highlighting any products with high sugars, salts and fats.
There has been £800,000 GBP set aside to assist with the programme in Northern Ireland, but this seems low when compared to Scotland’s annual allocation several million pounds to tackle their obesity problems.
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