Obesity Treatment
Consuming €500m Annually
May 17, 2005
The Taoiseach has estimated the cost of treating obesity
and related illnesses at close to 500 million pounds
a year.
Bertie Ahern promised to look at a range of measures
proposed by the National Taskforce on Obesity including
whether or not the tax system could be changed to encourage
healthy eating.
The report developed by the taskforce estimates that
300,000 Irish children are overweight.
According to the report, the Department of Finance
should look at the influence of taxation policy on the
foods people buy and whether decision should be taken
to subsidize fruit. However, it has ruled out any possibility
of 'fat tax' over unhealthy foods.
The soft drinks industry has also come out with some
reservations about the points made in the report, especially
a reference to World Health Organization concerns about
consumption of fizzy drinks and linking this to obesity.
The Government had to take a leadership role in tackling
the problem but it needs the support of communities,
schools, health professionals and the food industry,
said Mr. Ahern.
Source: http://www.ireland.com
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