Addressing Obesity

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:

The Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax was introduced under Ireland’s Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) to address Ireland’s high rates of overweight and obesity. It aims to reduce sugar consumption via carbonated drinks and encourage product reformulation. The independent Evaluation of the Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax highlights its positive impact since its introduction in 2018.

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.

Healthy Eating guidelines for older adults can be found 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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Evaluation of Ireland’s Sugar Sweetened Drinks’ Tax (SSDT)

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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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