Obesity in Northern Ireland

Robin Sheeran The Politics Show Northern Ireland

Until relatively recently being overweight was seen as an admirable thing, only the wealthy could afford to put on a few extra pounds.

The term 'well-covered' pretty much summed it up. Skinny was for strictly for waifs and strays.

Henry VIII filled out in middle age

This year sees the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.

Bluff King Hal followed the classic example of the time of the young, fit monarch who filled out in middle age.

The feisty young man whose favourite enjoyed a spot of jousting or tennis finished up the gout-ridden Henry of later years.

Medical science has put paid to the "laugh and grow fat" era.

The increased dangers of heart disease and cancer and the cost to the taxpayer of treating these illnesses have put obesity at the top of the preventive health agenda.

450 Deaths

Fern Britton: Gastric band led to weight loss

According to the official definition a quarter of all adults in Northern Ireland are considered to be obese causing an estimated 450 deaths each year and a massive rise in Type 2 diabetes.

This week on Politics Show from Northern Ireland, Yvette Shapiro reports on the obesity problem in Northern Ireland and considers some of the solutions.

In the studio, Jim Fitzpatrick will be talking to the independent MLA, Dr Kieran Deeny, who is also a family doctor in Carrickmore.

Some of the measures used to treat obesity can be controversial. Gastric banding is one such treatment. It is expensive and not yet available in Northern Ireland.

So far 80 patients from here have been sent to England for surgery at a cost of £900,000.

Preventive Measures

Would the money have been better spent on preventive measures, on educating the public on living a healthier lifestyle?

Public health expert Dr Una Lynch of Queens University recently appeared before the Assembly Health Committee.

She says the Executive is beginning to grasp the importance of the problem.

"The administration is starting to put public health to the fore. But if we really want to see a difference we really need to see the different ministries working together."

Dietary Advice

Attempts are being made to influence the health and lifestyle of some seriously overweight kids.

One pilot programme is being held in west Belfast. It combines dietary advice and enjoyable exercise.

As one of the young participants put it, "I learned not to sit and binge eat and if I want to eat something go out and play with my friends."

In the face of heavily-marketed junk food and the sedentary lifestyle encouraged by computer games spreading the message will be a major challenge.

The Politics Show for the Northern Ireland, with Jon Sopel and Jim Fitzpatrick on Sunday at 11:00 on BBC One.

You get a second chance to see the programme again that night, at 22:55 GMT on BBC One.

Let us know what you think.

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