Obesity
Obesity (lead Department – DHSSPS)
The report “Fit Futures: Focus on Food, Activity and Young People” highlighted the need to promote physical activity for the improved health and well-being of the population and raised concerns about the rising levels of overweight and obesity in children and young people. An outworking of “Fit Futures” was the NI Physical Activity Strategy which has now been replaced by a new Obesity Strategy focussing on obesity, especially in children and young people is currently being drafted and will go out to consultation shortly.
DEL's Involvement
As with other health-related issues, DEL’s role in this area is limited. Colleges are important institutions in which health can be promoted. Many students gain information about nutrition through their learning programmes and DEL has issued guidelines on issues within the FE sector on physical activity, eating and health as well as drugs and substance abuse.
A Healthy Promoting College pilot, launched in 2009 involves 2 Colleges working in partnership with the Public Health Agency and others on a three year programme as part of Phase One of a Health Promoting College Project. The aim of the initiative is to improve the health and well-being of staff and students by promoting healthy lifestyles and reduce health inequalities through interventions in the College and to the wider community
DEL also supports innovation, research and development in universities including in the health field, including diabetes research. Diabetes is a condition that is often associated with obesity.
- Investing for Health - Fit Futures (PDF 861KB)
- A Fitter Future for All - Obesity Prevention Framework for Northern Ireland 2012-2022 (PDF 1.26MB)
Related Websites
