At least one in five children are estimated to be overweight or obese in Ireland and this can have a significant impact on physical health and quality of life due to issues such as low self-esteem, social exclusion and bullying.

This topic was highlighted as part of a major event hosted by the HSE, the Association for the Study of Obesity in Ireland (ASOI) and the Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ICPO). ‘Overweight and Obesity…Let’s Talk!’ was held in Dublin and was open to anyone with an interest in this topic, including healthcare professionals, parents and carers.

The event, which focused on children and young people, covered a range of topics including the science behind obesity, best practice in obesity care and how to tackle stigma. Speakers included specialists in the areas of paediatric and adolescent obesity and eating disorders.

According to ASOI chairperson and registered dietitian, Dr Cathy Breen, “these are topics that can be challenging and worrying for healthcare professionals and families to discuss”.

Attendees were told that childhood obesity is a chronic disease that can increase the risk of a range of health issues such as joint pain, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. However, society is awash with unhealthy options. Furthermore, for many families, Covid-19 restrictions reduced incomes and food insecurity has had an impact on weight-related health behaviours including healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, screen time and stress.

“Obesity is a complex chronic disease for which there are a lot of different causes. Overweight and obesity is not a lifestyle choice due to poor self-discipline or lack of motivation. Genetics, combined with an environment that makes it hard to eat healthier or be physically active, are increasingly recognised to be a major contributor to body weight,” explained consultant endocrinologist, Prof Donal O’Shea, who is the HSE’s national lead for obesity

He pointed out that childhood obesity “is treated most effectively by care delivered by a multidisciplinary team”. However currently in Ireland, there is limited availability of this type of care for children and young people who need it.

According to the HSE’s national lead for the Healthy Eating and Active Living Policy Programme, Sarah O’Brien, young people today are living in “a toxic environment flooded with cheap and intensely marketed energy-dense foods”.

“Irrespective of body size or shape, their opportunities to be healthy are being undermined every day. We need to set the stage for child health by working with government to address the big drivers through national policy and legislation that protects hildren and young people from these aggressive marketing practices,” she commented.

Susie Birney, who is executive director of ICPO and a patient representative with the ASOI, noted that obesity can be a difficult topic to discuss.

“Parents are often blamed and this just adds to the stigma and lack of information about this disease. People want to know how to have the conversation and what support is available.

“It is clear that hearing the lived experience of those who live with obesity, combined with the science and the research, is an impactful approach for discussing health and weight and also towards addressing the stigma which comes with this disease,” she said.

The event took place on October 6 in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in Dublin.