The Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ICPO) has welcomed the development of a new National Obesity Strategy, following the recent public consultation launched by Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD.
With an estimated 56% of people in Ireland living with overweight or obesity, the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach has never been greater. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by biological, environmental, psychological and social factors. Yet many people continue to face barriers to accessing appropriate care, treatment and support.
The consultation represents an important opportunity to ensure that the voices of people living with obesity are reflected in future policy. ICPO submitted a detailed response highlighting the realities faced by people living with obesity across Ireland, including challenges accessing specialist services, the impact of weight stigma and discrimination, and the need for equitable access to evidence-based treatment options.
The development of a new strategy comes at a time of significant change in obesity care. Scientific understanding of obesity has advanced considerably in recent years, with growing recognition that obesity is not simply a matter of personal responsibility but a chronic disease requiring long-term management and support. At the same time, new treatment options and approaches to multidisciplinary care are changing what is possible for people seeking help.
For the new strategy to deliver meaningful change, it must move beyond prevention alone and address the needs of the millions of people already living with overweight and obesity. This includes improving access to specialist obesity services, ensuring healthcare professionals receive appropriate training, tackling weight stigma within healthcare settings, and creating clear care pathways that support people throughout their treatment journey.
People living with obesity must remain at the centre of these discussions. Policies developed without meaningful patient involvement risk overlooking the everyday realities faced by those most affected. Through its consultation response, ICPO has called for continued engagement with people living with obesity as the strategy is developed and implemented.
The publication of the consultation findings will be an important next step. ICPO looks forward to reviewing the final report and working with policymakers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to help ensure that Ireland’s next National Obesity Strategy delivers real improvements in care, support and outcomes for people living with obesity.
A successful strategy has the potential not only to improve health outcomes, but also to challenge stigma, increase understanding of obesity as a disease, and ensure that people living with obesity receive the support and respect they deserve.
