Nutrition and Health Foundation Seminar

Transcription

1 Nutrition and Health Foundation Seminar Presentation by Brian Mullen Health Promotion Policy Unit Department of Health and Children

2 Prevalence of overweight and obesity has been described by WHO as an epidemic. Ireland is no different from other countries in terms of obesity trends. 18% of adults are obese 39% are overweight Data suggests that there could be more than 300,000 overweight and obese children on the island of Ireland. Rate is rising at a probable 10,000 per annum.

3 Overweight and obese individuals are at an increased risk of: Premature death Type 2 diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Coronary heart disease Stroke Osteoarthritis Some types of cancer

4 Ready availability and high intake of energy-dense foods which are high in fat, sugars or starch sugar-sweetened sweetened soft drinks and juices Large portion sizes More sedentary lifestyle Changing lifestyles leading to consumption of greater proportions of food prepared outside the home Food eaten/prepared outside the home- means no control over portion size, added fat, sugar or other ingredients High levels of alcohol consumption

5 High in fat High in saturates High in salt High in sugar Low in omega 3 fats Low in iron, calcium, folate and vitamin D Our Poor eating habits start early

6 23% solids - 12 weeks ( 400 infants) 59% - at least 1 snack daily 8% chocolate, 7% biscuits and 4% crisps 6% - these snacks at least 4 times /week 4% sugar and water, 1% sugar- sweetened drinks, 1% tea 35% added salt or sugar/honey to foods National Children s s Food Survey A diet rich in high fat and high sugar foods at age 3 is associated with risk of obesity at age seven

7 at least once daily: 51% consumed sweets, 37% had sugar -sweetened drinks, 27% consumed crisps, 12% ate chips and 7% ate hamburgers 17% skipped breakfast and/or lunch 14% never have breakfast on school days 17% go to school or to bed hungry because not enough food at home- no social class effect

8 What we should be eating The Food Pyramid provides the balance of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals children need each day Foods that contain similar nutrients are grouped together - interchanged Most food - from the Breads, Cereals and Potato shelf and the Fruit and Vegetables shelf With smaller amounts from the Milk, Cheese and Yogurt shelf and the Meat, Fish and Alternatives shelf Top shelf foods can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in limited amounts.

9 National Taskforce on Obesity established in March, 2004

10 set out a strategic framework that would: encompasses the determinants of overweight and obesity; identify best practice for prevention, detection and treatment; and create the social and physical environments that makes it easier for children and adults to eat more healthily and be more active on a regular basis.

11 Comprehensive and systematic consultation process. Submissions received from Key stakeholders Members of the public, Organizations and groups People who were overweight and obese Representatives from organizations which support people in managing their weight.

12 The Taskforce report, Obesity: the Policy Challenges published in Contains 93 recommendations relating to actions across six broad sectors: high-level government; education; social and community; health; food, commodities, production and supply and the physical environment,

13 Department of Health 3m funding for recommendations that relate to the health sector. Specialist Community Dietitians Physical Activity co-ordinators ordinators for obesity and weight management Development of Specialist Hospital Services for obesity treatment.

14 Most of the recommendations outside the remit of the Department of Heath and Children. Examples: Department of Finance - research to examine the influence of fiscal policies on consumer purchasing and impact on overweight and obesity; Department of Agriculture and Food - Guidelines for food and nutrition labelling Department of the Environment - coherent planning policies for urban/rural housing, transport, amenity spaces Department of Education - Code of practice in relation to the provision and content of vending machines

15 Taskforce recognised that a multi-sectoral approach was necessary Report acted as a catalyst to the introduction of inter-sectoral working. Minister Wallace has made obesity a priority issue and has taken up these matters on a bilateral basis with the relevant Government Departments Take a coherent whole of Government approach to the wider determinants of health, and in particular to tackling the obesogenic environment, Social and fiscal policies, including taxation Industry practices, particularly food, drink and tobacco industries ies Educational influences Physical environment Recreation and physical activity

16 Have identified key areas for inter-sectoral collaboration in tackling obesity In the case of the availability of energy dense foods Greater co-operation operation with food industry Marketing, sponsorship and advertising of energy dense foods particularly those for children, and Availability of high calorie drinks and food in vending machines in schools

17 Labelling clear labelling which reflect energy, fat and salt content Promoting exercise and physical activity we need to ensure Promotion of physical education/activity in schools, and Coherent planning policies which promote the development of adequate leisure and exercise facilities (e.g. playgrounds, parks) and cycle paths and pedestrian walkways

18 Food industry largely determine what we eat Must engage with industry at all levels production and manufacturing promotion and marketing Given that food industry is now truly multi-national, need to engage both EU and global level Commenced work on salt reduction moving to fat and sugar

19 Most food marketed to children is unhealthy Little marketing of healthy foods Very clever marketing campaigns aimed at children Major advertising spend is on TV Schools are a growing market Internet is a growing market

20 The recommended diet vs the advertised diet 75 % of food advertising to children is for sugary, fatty and salty foods)

21 Regulation varies in EU and is mainly directed at TV New EU audio-visual directive being prepared TV ban in Norway and Sweden UK ban until 7.00pm ( OFCOM) Welcome provisions of new Broadcasting Bill Pushing for tighter controls on advertising Internet regulation needs to be considered

22 Need clear labelling on foods GDAs are useful but are not readily understood Conduct research into labelling GDAs vs traffic lights and/or a combination of both

23 Home environment is the key influence on children s s eating habits Parental obesity is the strongest potential predictor of child and later obesity. Access to healthy foods at home fruit & veg Parental responsibility for breakfast, school lunches and dinners Role models parents own dietary pattern Encourage regular, family meals eaten sitting down together at a table without TV

24 Food and Nutrition guidelines supported by Dept of Education and Science and National Parents Council ) Healthy eating policies Improved nutrition knowledge through SPHE, science, home economics, biology and geography Schools also key to promoting physical activity

25 Already proactive and have introduced many successful programmes and initiatives. National Play Policy document for Children, entitled Ready, Steady, Play. National Children's Office is currently working on the development of a National Recreation Policy for year olds Investment by Government in recent years has put much of the infrastructure in place to address physical inactivity. physical activity co-ordinators ordinators throughout the country to promote physical activity amongst the population. The recently launched joint North/South Little Steps Go A Long Way campaign

26 Key recommendation of the Obesity Task Force was the development of a national nutrition policy. Currently finalising this policy Provide strategic direction on nutrition for the next ten years. Target group is young people, years Priority actions are obesity and food poverty. National consultation has taken place and the policy will be published shortly.

27 Food Poverty is another important area that will be tackled in the new nutrition policy. Work in partnership with other Government departments and agencies to promote healthy eating and help reduce food poverty among young people. Facilitate the provision of healthy foods that will be available, affordable and accessible for young people. National schemes and policies will be supported to improve healthy eating for young people in socially disadvantaged communities. Support healthy eating and a reduction in food poverty for infants and young children.

28 Encouraged by the strong commitment of people working at local level. All engage in joined-up thinking Committed to continuing programmes and initiating policies to promote healthy lifestyles. Working in partnership with public and private sectors, and with the support and commitment of the government and the public we can achieve our objectives.