Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer has issued a stark warning about a growing obesity problem in the province.

Publishing her Annual Report entitled ‘Your Health Matters’, Dr Henrietta Campbell revealed that obesity currently affects over 1 in 5 of people in Northern Ireland.

In a newly produced magazine style, the report hopes to promote a healthier lifestyle for all by warning about the dangers of obesity, smoking, binge drinking and an unhealthy diet.

In one of her hardest hitting annual reports to date Dr Campbell describes the current level of obesity as a ‘health time bomb’ saying: “Currently over half our population have a weight problem and as many as 1 in 5 are obese," she said. "Obesity in children is increasing at an alarming rate and it is projected that in 15 to 20 years time 1 in 5 boys and 1 in 3 girls will be obese unless drastic action is taken now.”

Stating the wider health risks of being overweight Dr Campbell said that whilst government had a major role to play in reversing this worrying trend, individuals themselves need to recognise their responsibility for their own health: “Obesity is a major health problem because of the risk it poses to health. It is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.”

The report also points to the increase in obesity in children, and announces the establishment of a taskforce set up to address this major health issue.

(MB)