Obesity could be as bad as in US in 10 years time
At the moment, we appear to be about 10 years behind America in terms of obesity, with the gap closing faster every year. Of course obesity is probably something I will never have to worry about given my bony, nerd-like frame. School kids appear noticeably more plump than they used to be in my school days. Interestingly enough, here in New Zealand, where I currently live, the people are a hell of a lot thinner than back in Europe or the US. The exceptions being the people of Pacific/Polynesian origin who appear to be a little more prone to obesity.
Health officials have warned that our obesity problem is becoming Ireland’s fastest growing health issue and warn it could be as bad as the United States in 10 years time.
More than 2,500 people die from obesity-related conditions in Ireland every year.
Almost half of Irish people report being overweight, with one in eight men and one in 12 women being clinically obese.
Dr John O’Riordan of the National Task Force on Obesity says he expects Ireland’s problem to get as bad as America, which has the highest rates of obesity in the world.
He says that without a concerted effort from all sectors, people are in serious danger of heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure.