Policy information
Combatting Obesity
From Healthy Ireland; Department of Health
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It is well established that obesity (and overweight) is a significant problem in Ireland. Tackling this complex issue requires multi-agency, multi-level and coordinated approaches.
The Obesity Policy and Action Plan was developed to address policy and intervention options in the context of prevention and management of overweight and obesity.
Some of the measures taken as a result of this policy are:
- publication of a Reformulation Roadmap and establishment of a Reformulation Task Force
- a code of practice in relation to advertising, promotion and sponsorship of food and drink
- a media campaign to communicate practical solutions for parents to adopt in order to tackle the everyday habits that are associated with excess weight in childhood
- revision of the Healthy Eating guidelines
- development of Healthy Eating guidelines for 1-5 year old children
- development of a Model of Care for the Management of Overweight and Obesity (MOC)
- publication of an independent evaluation of the implementation of the OPAP
- publication of a Review of OPAP by the Department
You can watch a video of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan launch here.
Key policy documents and minutes of the meetings of the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group can be found below
A Healthy Weight for Ireland - Obesity Policy and Action Plan
The full text of 'A Healthy Weight for Ireland - Obesity Policy and Action Plan'.
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OPAP Implementation Progress Report 2016-2019
This first Progress Report under the Obesity Policy and Action Plan provides an outline of progress in the 60 actions identified in the Plan, over the periods 2016-2017 and 2018-2019
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Evaluation of the Implementation of A Healthy Weight for Ireland 2016-2025
The Evaluation of Implementation of A Healthy Weight was prepared by UCC and presents the results of an independent expert-led evaluation of the implementation of the 60 actions under the OPAP covering the period January 2016 to May 2021 using the internationally recognised Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (FOOD-EPI).
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Review of the Obesity Policy & Action Plan (2016-2025)
This Review provides an update as to the current status of the OPAP to end October 2022, captures the overall policy context regarding obesity policy, aligned with the WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022 and signposts next steps for delivery of the OPAP out to 2025.
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A Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland
The Roadmap sets targets for the reduction of levels of fat, sugar, salt and calories in processed foods. A Reformulation Task Force will work with industry to achieve the targets.
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Minutes of Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group meeting 16 November 2021
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