Half of Ireland overweight

Almost half of all people in Ireland are overweight or dangerously obese, a new study has found.

According to the new research, 61% of Irish men and 39% of Irish women are reportedly overweight.

County Tipperary was found to be the most overweight county with approximately 58% of respondents overweight, while County Kerry reported the lowest figures with 41% being overweight.

Furthermore, the study found that 24% of the adult population do no exercise at all. 

Physical inactivity is a major contributing factor to heart disease and increases the risk of colon cancer.

Heart disease is the number one killer in Ireland with approximately 10,000 people dying each year from cardiovascular disease, accounting for 36% of all deaths.
 
Commenting on the results, Dublin GP Stephen Murphy said: “With almost half of the Irish adult population being overweight, these figures are extremely worrying.

“While maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise is important for general health, it is in heart health where some of the biggest health gains can be realised.

“Regular exercise in conjunction with a healthy diet from a young age will have a huge benefit to your health in later years and it is never too late to start a healthier approach to life.”
 
The study was produced Hibernian Aviva Health.

[Posted: Tue 18/08/2009]