for Ireland

Every sector has a role in reducing the burden of this condition.
This Policy is the result of the Government’s desire to assist people in Ireland to achieve better
health and in particular to reduce the levels of overweight and obesity. It has been informed by
a comprehensive consultation with major stakeholders, health experts, healthcare providers,
children and young people. It is based on the best available evidence in the Irish and international
literature. It takes a life-course approach, which is a key underpinning concept in the Healthy Ireland
Framework, under which this Policy will be implemented.
The Obesity Policy and Action Plan is based on a set of core principles. It is informed by the Healthy
Ireland guiding principles, which include better governance and leadership, resources, partnerships,
systems for healthcare, evidence, measurement and evaluation, and programme management. In
the context of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, these principles will also ensure that it is:
• life-course oriented, with a focus on children and families; and
• prevention focused, with an emphasis on targeting inequalities.
The Obesity Policy and Action Plan sets targets to be achieved and actions that will produce
measurable outcomes. The Action Plan involves all sectors in Ireland and includes implementation
pathways and indicators to measure progress.
The Obesity Policy and Action Plan covers a ten-year period, up to 2025. The vision is to turn the
tide of the overweight and obesity epidemic. The overall aim is to increase the number of people
with a healthy weight and set us on a path where healthy weight becomes the norm. There is an
opportunity now to act collectively and set the direction towards reversing this pandemic. The Policy
also aims to remove the stigma associated with obesity, especially in children.
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A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016 - 2025