British Heart Foundation NI response to DoH announcement of a Regional Obesity Management Service for NI
22nd May 2025
Statement issued on behalf of British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland in response to DoH announcement of a Regional Obesity Management Service for NI.
Head of British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland, Fearghal McKinney, has welcomed the Department of Health’s announcement of a Regional Obesity Management Service for Northern Ireland, but says “more needs to be done”.
Fearghal said: “I’m pleased to see the Minister of Health taking steps to address the high levels of obesity in Northern Ireland, and I welcome plans for the new service.
“Research has shown that living with obesity can increase your risk of heart and circulatory diseases and other long-term conditions like Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Research has also estimated that the cost to society of obesity in Northern Ireland is £ 500 million each year [1].
“Northern Ireland has stubbornly high rates of obesity – 28 per cent of the adult population – around 410,000 adults- having a body-mass index (BMI) defined as obese,” Fearghal continued.
“Therefore, urgent action is needed, and BHF NI calls on a cross-governmental approach for meaningful impact.
“We need to do more to educate our schoolchildren on healthier choices, ban advertising of junk food to our young people and build communities where everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.”
“In addition, we urgently need the Executive to commit to legislate to restrict the use of price promotions on high-fat, salt and sugar foods as well as introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol to reduce alcohol harm.”
Fearghal added: “This announcement is positive, but we need to see further bold action across all departments to help create a heart-healthy environment for everyone.”
[1] Research commissioned by British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland on behalf of the Non-communicable disease (NCD) Prevention coalition. It was conducted by economist Richard Johnston in early 2023. https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/in-your-area/northern-ireland/campaigning-and-influencing-in-northern-ireland/ncd-prevention-report
