Almost a third of Irish people are concerned about becoming obese, according to a the results of a new survey to be launched by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, today.
Some 69 per cent of adults and teenagers over 15 years think Ireland has a "serious problem with obesity" and 32 per cent worry about the possibility they might become obese, according to the survey conducted by Landsdowne Market Research.
The survey will be published today to coincide with the start of a new campaign to create public awareness about the dangers of overweight and obesity.
The campaign has been organised by the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children in response to the prevalence of the problem in Ireland. It follows a recent report which found that one in every three children surveyed in the south-east is either overweight or obese.
The promotion of a daily healthy eating pattern combined with regular physical activity is central to the campaign theme: "Every step counts - small changes make the difference."
This month, the campaign will focus on healthy eating, laying particular emphasis on portion sizes.
October will see a greater emphasis on the need for regular physical activity.
During the campaign the Health Promotion Unit will co-ordinate activities on a national basis, with local activities co-ordinated by the health board offices and their community nutrition and physical activity services.
Events will include dance parties, record-breaking initiatives, exercise demonstrations, competitions and giveaways.
There will also be workplace information programmes and education programmes. A dedicated, interactive website will be available for reference during the campaign.
A survey published yesterday involving more than 11,000 people suggests figure size has expanded significantly since the 1950s.
The SizeUK survey, carried out by University College London and the London College of Fashion, took over 1.5 million measurements in 2001 and 2002 using 3-D bodyscanners.
They found that the average weight for women in the UK increased from 136 lbs in 1951 to 143.5 lbs today. The average weight for men was now 174 lbs.
