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An Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) progress report is expected to be published in autumn, the Department of Health has told this newspaper.
The Department launched its policy document on obesity — A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016-2025 — in September 2016.
When the OPIOG was established in 2017, it was announced there would be an annual bulletin or ‘score card’ to evaluate progress on the national obesity plan, but as yet no progress report has been published.
The Medical Independent (MI) has been told that the Department has asked the Health Research Board Centre for Diet and Research at University College Cork (UCC) to develop a framework for a ‘bulletin’ for the obesity strategy.
“The Health Research Board Centre for Diet and Research at UCC is preparing an evaluation framework for the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, concerning the progress made with implementing the various actions in the Plan,” a Department spokesperson told MI. “This evaluation, which will be the framework for the bulletin or ‘score card’ on progress referred to in the obesity policy and action plan, will be completed later in 2019.”
The Government’s policy plan covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy.
Speaking to MI last month, Prof Donal O’Shea, Consultant Endocrinologist and Physician in St Vincent’s University Hospital and St Columcille’s Hospital, who is also HSE Clinical Lead for Obesity, warned that sufficient funding for the obesity plan in the upcoming Budget is “absolutely essential” for its success.
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hey David,
I’m doing research work in the area of health inequality as relates to obesity. I’m conscious that you have been keeping an eye on this area via your reports, Freedom of Information requests etc.
I’m wondering if there has been any further development on the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) progress report?
I’m conscious that this matter was mentioned in the Dail last April https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2019-04-18/156 – and I’m interested to see what the latest information is on the subject.
All the best with your work
Tom Conlon
086 368 8824