1. Translating Policy Into Action
Dr. Nazih Eldin
Head of Health Promotion HSE Dublin North East
&
HSE Lead for Obesity

2. Incidence
• 38% of Irish adults were overweight and 23% were obese (SLAN 2007)
- Men 18< 45yrs 42% of men were overweight and 16% were obese
- Men 45 < 65yrs 50% were overweight and 33% were obese
- Men 65+yrs 45% were overweight and 27% were obese
• 37.35% of Irish adults are overweight and 23.55% are obese (NANS 2011)
- Men 18 < 50 yrs 44.2% are overweight and 23.5% are obese
- Men 51 – 64 yrs 44.4% are overweight and 42.1% are obese
• Among 7 year olds
- 13% of boys were overweight & 5% were obese
(WHO-European Obesity Surveillance Initiative:Ireland 2008)
- In WHO 2010 initial results look like this has remained stable.
• Among 5-12year olds
- 11% of boys were overweight& 9% were obese
(IUNA National Children’s Food Survey, 2005)
• Among 13 – 17 yrs
- 19% of boys ( 13% 1990) were overweight or obese (IUNA 2007)

3. The Risk of Childhood Obesity Tracking Into Adulthood
Source:GuoSS,WuW, Chumlea WC. American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition 2002; 76:653-658
Age in Years Risk in Boys Risk in Girls
< 8 yrs 1 in 5 1 in 3
8 – 13 yrs 1 in 3 > 1 in 2
> 13 yrs 1 in 2 2 in 3

4. The Full Obesity System Map with Thematic Clusters
Source: Foresight Tackling Obesities: Future Choice – Obesity System Atlas U.K. Government Office for Science.

5. HSE Priorities
• To halt and reverse the trend of obesity
• Develop multi sectoral forum for health to address determinants of
obesity
• Develop integrated multidisciplinary approach at all levels of
healthcare system
• Target populations in settings i.e. schools, communities, workplace,
prisons & homes

6. 2011 Target Groups
1. Children 0-13yrs
2. Men 35-65yrs
3. Women of childbearing years

7. HSE Framework for Action on Obesity 2008 – 2012
HSE national Working Group on Obesity translated the recommendations
of the Taskforce Report into a 5 yr action plan with the following strategic
priorities :-
1. To enhance the effectiveness in surveillance, research, monitoring and
evaluation of obesity.
2. To develop a quality uniform approach to the detection and
management of obesity.
3. To develop our capacity in preventing overweight and obesity and to
promote health.
4. To communicate our messages on obesity effectively.
5. To proactively engage and support the work of other sectors in
addressing the determinants of obesity and the obesogenic
environment.

8. HSE Action PlanTo Combat
Overweight & Obesity
STRATEGIC PRIORITY NUMBER 1:
To enhance effectiveness in surveillance, research, monitoring and
evaluation of obesity.
Surveillance – WHO- European Childhood Obesity
Surveillance Initiative :Ireland
Research – SLAN, HBSC, IUNA, Lifeways Intergenerational
Study, P.A. Audit + links to Universities
Monitoring & Evaluation - National BMI Data Base for
Adults & Children, training to staff re anthropometric
measurement, evaluation of funded projects & agencies

9. STRATEGIC PRIORITY NUMBER 2:
To develop a quality uniform approach to the detection and management of
obesity.
Detection – WHO-European Childhood Obesity Surveillance in 7
& 9 year olds, SLAN, HBSC
Treatment/Management
– 4 Adult Tertiary Hospital Services Planned (2 operating now) + 1
National Paediatric Hospital Service (Crumlin & Tallaght
providing a limited service now).
- Overweight realistic Lifestyle Actions (ORLA) programme is
being piloted in Galway. This programme is adapted from the
diabetic DESMOND programme.
- Weight management Treatment Algorithms for Adults & Children
(for Primary Care)

10. STRATEGIC PRIORITY NUMBER 3:
To develop our capacity in preventing overweight and obesity and to promote
health.
Slí na Slainte Routes
PALs
Go For Life
HSE-Titans Bounce – Built to Move (9-12 yr olds)
Settings approach to H.P. programmes – preschool, primary &
secondary schools, out of school settings, community programmes etc.
Farmers Have Hearts
Ballymun Men’s Project

11. STRATEGIC PRIORITY NUMBER 4:
To communicate our message on obesity effectively
Development of a research repository - relevant education
materials, research & guidelines targeted at the ongoing
education of health professionals – NNSC
www.littlesteps.eu targeted at parents
www.getirelandactive.ie targeted at adults, teenagers &
children who wish to become more physically active through
participation and sport.
www.healthpromotion.ie - Provision of Health Promotion
resources to the public
The Knowledge Hub – IPH – www.obesityhub.info

12. STRATEGIC PRIORITY NUMBER 5:
To proactively engage and support the work of other sectors addressing the
determinants of obesity and the obesogenic environment.
National Steering Group on Physical Activity – HSE, ISC, IHF, 3rd level
Academic Colleges
Weight Management Subcommittee – HSE + ICGP, NNSC, DOHC
HSE Community Games – HSE + Community Games
www.communitygames.ie
Get Ireland Active Working Group – HSE, DOT, Multiagency group
All Island Obesity Forum – North-South Multiagency group
Healthy Food For All – HSE + Crosscare Food poverty programme
Cooperation & Working Together (CAWT) For Health Gain & Social
Wellbeing in Border Areas – HSE (ROI) + Health & Social Care Board, the
Southern & Western Health & Social Care Trusts (N.I.)

13. Thank You
Any Questions?