Expertise in new weight loss medication may be required during the formation of the next national obesity policy plan, this newspaper understands.
The successor to the Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016-2025 was discussed at the obesity policy implementation oversight group in March 2024.
According to minutes of the meeting, the need for input from the HSE “pharmacology unit” regarding the next plan may be required “due to the rise of Ozempic and other obesity drugs in recent years”.
A Department of Health spokesperson told the Medical Independent (MI) that “extensive consultation with a wide range of national and international stakeholders will take place” in 2025 to inform the development of the next plan.
“The next OPAP [obesity policy and action plan] will reflect the many changes that have taken place since 2016 in relation to health promotion, disease prevention, and the management and treatment of obesity.”
The spokesperson also confirmed that the current plan is due to expire at the end of this year. “Work is starting on preparing the next OPAP with an anticipated publication date of 2026.”
The same meeting of the oversight group discussed progress in increasing the number of bariatric surgeries in Ireland. The meeting heard that approximately 200 surgeries had taken place in public hospitals in 2023.
The Department spokesperson told MI that as of the end of October 2024, some 156 surgeries had taken place in public hospitals in 2024.
Additional resources have been allocated to “increase activity” in 2025.
In Budget 2025, €500,000 was approved to complete the roll-out of phase one of the HSE model of care for the management of overweight and obesity, and a further €500,000 to commence roll-out of phase two.
“The target of 1,200 [bariatric] surgeries can be achieved by 2030 with the ongoing supports being provided to implement subsequent phases of the model of care.”
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