Ireland
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Actions
Loading data – please wait …
National obesity risk *7.5/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *7/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
Download report card
The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Insufficient activity
Sugar consumption
Soft drink consumption
Confectionery consumption
Sweet/savoury snack consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
Anxiety
Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2008-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 1500 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Adult Nutrition Survey, Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance, Published 2011 http://www.iuna.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/National-Adult-Nutrition-Survey-Summary-Report-March-2011.pdf |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | OECD Factbook 2010: Economic, Environmental and Social Statistics - ISBN 92-64-08356-1 - © OECD 2010. http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/factbook-2010-en/11/01/03/index.html?contentType=&itemId=/content/chapter/factbook-2010-87-en&containerItemId=/content/serial/18147364&accessItemIds=&mimeType=text/html |
| Notes: | OECD surveys only measured surveys included. Full survey details not yet available. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2005-2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 3378 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Northern Ireland Health and Social Wellbeing Survey 2005/06: Topline Results - Adult Obesity. |
| Notes: | Northern Ireland. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1997-1999
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 1379 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | McCarthy SN, Harrington KE, Kiely M et al. Analyses of the anthropometric data from the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey. Public Health Nutrition 2001;4 (5(A):1099-1106 |
| Notes: | North/South Ireland |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1990
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| References: | North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey, 2000. Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance Summary Report |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 596 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) (2019) National Children’s Food Survey II: Summary Report. Available online at www.iuna.net |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut Off |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 11-13 |
| Sample size: | 1715 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-7 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-7 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2010-2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-4 |
| Sample size: | 371 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Irish universities nutrition alliance. (2012). National Nutrition pre-school survey. Available: https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/46a7ad27/files/uploaded/The%20National%20Pre-School%20Nutrition%20Survey%20Summary%20Report%20June%202012.pdf. Last accessed 20th September 2018. |
| Notes: | IOTF cut-off used, WHO cut-offs available from survey. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-7 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-7 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2007-2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7 |
| Sample size: | 4395 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Spinelli et al (2019). 'Childhood Severe Obesity in Europe', Obes Facts.12, pp. 244–258. (Data from COSI round 1-3) |
| Notes: | NOTE - this data is from COSI round I, II and III (2007 - 2013) IOTF cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2003-2004
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 594 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | O'Neill JL, McCarthy SN, Burke SJ, Hannon EM, Kiely M, Flynn A, Flynn MA, Gibney MJ.Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Irish school children, using four different definitions.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jun;61(6):743-51. Epub 2006 Dec 20. |
| Notes: | International IOTF Cut off |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 4-16 |
| Sample size: | 17499 |
| Area covered: | Republic of Ireland |
| References: | Whelton H, Harrington J, Crowley E, Kelleher V, Cronin M, Perry IJ. Prevalence of overweight and obesity on the island of Ireland: results from the North South Survey of Children’s Height, Weight and Body Mass Index, 2002. BMC Public Health. 2007;7:187. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-7-187. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Adults living with obesity in Ireland 1990-2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1990: North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey, 2000. Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance Summary Report 1997: McCarthy SN, Harrington KE, Kiely M et al. Analyses of the anthropometric data from the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey. Public Health Nutrition 2001;4 (5(A):1099-1106 2008: National Adult Nutrition Survey, Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance, Published 2011 http://www.iuna.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/National-Adult-Nutrition-Survey-Summary-Report-March-2011.pdf |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity in Ireland 1990-2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1990: North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey, 2000. Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance Summary Report 1997: McCarthy SN, Harrington KE, Kiely M et al. Analyses of the anthropometric data from the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey. Public Health Nutrition 2001;4 (5(A):1099-1106 2008: National Adult Nutrition Survey, Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance, Published 2011 http://www.iuna.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/National-Adult-Nutrition-Survey-Summary-Report-March-2011.pdf |
| Notes: | Adults aged 18-64 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Children living with overweight or obesity by urbanisation in Ireland 2008-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | Aged 6-7. IOTF International Cut off point |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Children living with overweight or obesity in Ireland 2008-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | Aged 6-7. IOTF International Cut off point |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity in Europe 1976-2018
Men
| References: | 1976, 1987: Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Lahti-Koski M, Vartiainen E, Mannisto S, Pietinen P. Age, education and occupation as determinants of trends in body mass index in Finland from 1982 to 1997. International Journal of Obesity (2000);24:1669-1676 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Lahti-Koski M, Pietinen P, Munnisto S, Vartiainen E. Trends in waist to hip ratio and its determinants in adults in Finland from 1987 to 1997. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;72:1436-1444 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Gutierrez-Fisac JL, Guallar-Castillion P, Leon-Munoz LM, Graciani A, Banegas JR & Rodriguez-Artalejo F. Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in the adult population of Spain, 2008-2010. Obesity Reviews early online 12th Dec 2011. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| References: | 1976, 1987: Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Lahti-Koski M, Vartiainen E, Mannisto S, Pietinen P. Age, education and occupation as determinants of trends in body mass index in Finland from 1982 to 1997. International Journal of Obesity (2000);24:1669-1676 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Lahti-Koski M, Pietinen P, Munnisto S, Vartiainen E. Trends in waist to hip ratio and its determinants in adults in Finland from 1987 to 1997. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;72:1436-1444 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Gutierrez-Fisac JL, Guallar-Castillion P, Leon-Munoz LM, Graciani A, Banegas JR & Rodriguez-Artalejo F. Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in the adult population of Spain, 2008-2010. Obesity Reviews early online 12th Dec 2011. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by age and education
Men, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Notes: | Some Irish data considered to have low reliability, see EUROSTAT database for details |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Notes: | Some Irish data considered to have low reliability, see EUROSTAT database for details |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Irish data considered to have low reliability, see EUROSTAT database for details Insufficient data to display 18-24 age category separately |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Irish data considered to have low reliability, see EUROSTAT database for details Insufficient data to display 18-24 age category separately |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Adults, 2009-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 4348 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Fifty Plus in Ireland 2011. Results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). http://www.tilda.tcd.ie/assets/pdf/glossy/Tilda_Master_First_Findings_Report.pdf (last accessed on 9.6.15) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 5992 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 2002 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 6539 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 2002. http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/dietary-habits-of-the-irish-population-results-from-slan-annual-report-2003-2/ (last accessed 16 Sept 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 9 |
| Sample size: | 8136 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Keane E, Layte R, Harrington J, Kearney PM, Perry IJ. Measured Parental Weight Status and Familial Socio-Economic Status Correlates with Childhood Overweight and Obesity at Age 9. Kazembe L, ed. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(8):e43503. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0043503 |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by the highest level of maternal education. IOTF BMI Cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2009-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 4348 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Fifty Plus in Ireland 2011. Results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). http://www.tilda.tcd.ie/assets/pdf/glossy/Tilda_Master_First_Findings_Report.pdf (last accessed on 9.6.15) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2008-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1500 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (2011). National Audlt Nutrition Survey Summary Report 2011. Food and Nutrient intakes, Physical Measurements, Phyciscal Activity Patterns and Food Choice Motives. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 967 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 2007. Survey of lifestyle, attitudes and nutrition in Ireland: https://www.ucd.ie/t4cms/slan07_report.pdf (last accessed 9.6.15) |
| Notes: | This study looks at the difference between self reported and measured prevalence. Last reviewed 2nd November 2017 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 6426 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | http://www.ucd.ie/t4cms/slan07_report.pdf (last accessed 16 July 2015) |
| Notes: | Last reviewed 2nd November 2017 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 3176 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 2002. http://www.ucd.ie/issda/data/surveyonlifestyleandattitudestonutritionslan/ (last accessed 16 July 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 4054 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 1998. http://www.ucd.ie/issda/data/surveyonlifestyleandattitudestonutritionslan/ (last accessed 16 July 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2012-2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 250,000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. (2018). WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative: overweight and obesity among 6–9-year-old children. Available: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/378865/COSI-3.pdf?ua=1. Last accessed [Accessed 28th Aug 2018]. |
| Notes: | WHO cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2001-2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 17499 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Whelton H, Harrington J, Crowley E et al. Prevalence of overweight and obesity on the island of Ireland: results from the North South Survey of Children's Height, Weight and Body Mass Index 2002. BMC 2007;7:187 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by region
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 5992 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 2002. http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/dietary-habits-of-the-irish-population-results-from-slan-annual-report-2003-2/ (last accessed 16 Sept 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 6539 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 2002 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by age and region
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1u&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1u&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-7 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
Children, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-7 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-7 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
Children, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-7 |
| References: | Bel-Serrat S, Heinen MM, Murrin CM, Daly L, Mehegan J, Concannon M, Flood C, Farrell D, O’Brien S, Eldin N, Kelleher CC [2017]. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in the Republic of Ireland: Findings from 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2015. Dublin: Health Service Executive. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
Overweight/obesity by age and socio-economic group
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Some Irish http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en Insufficient data to display 18-24 age category separately |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Some Irish http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en Insufficient data to display 18-24 age category separately |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Some Irish http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en Insufficient data to display 18-24 age category separately |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Adults, 2009-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 2187 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) |
| Notes: | 50+ data also available |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 5992 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 2002. http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/dietary-habits-of-the-irish-population-results-from-slan-annual-report-2003-2/ (last accessed 16 Sept 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 6539 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | SLAN 1998 (published in SLAN 2002). http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/dietary-habits-of-the-irish-population-results-from-slan-annual-report-2003-2/ (last accessed 16 Sept 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 9 |
| Sample size: | 8136 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Keane E, Layte R, Harrington J, Kearney PM, Perry IJ. Measured Parental Weight Status and Familial Socio-Economic Status Correlates with Childhood Overweight and Obesity at Age 9. Kazembe L, ed. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(8):e43503. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0043503 |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by equivalised household annual income (in quintiles) IOTF BMI Cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Boys, 2001-2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 17499 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Whelton H, Harrington J, Crowley E, Kelleher V, Cronin M, Perry IJ. Prevalence of overweight and obesity on the island of Ireland: results from the North South Survey of Children’s Height, Weight and Body Mass Index, 2002. BMC Public Health. 2007;7:187. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-7-187. |
| Notes: | Measure of socioeconomic status was possession of a General Medical Services (GMS) Card in the Republic of Ireland |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Girls, 2001-2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 17499 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Whelton H, Harrington J, Crowley E, Kelleher V, Cronin M, Perry IJ. Prevalence of overweight and obesity on the island of Ireland: results from the North South Survey of Children’s Height, Weight and Body Mass Index, 2002. BMC Public Health. 2007;7:187. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-7-187. |
| Notes: | Measure of socioeconomic status was possession of a General Medical Services (GMS) Card in the Republic of Ireland |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Children, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Boys, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Girls, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Sugar consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Sugar consumption (Number of 500g sugar portions/person/month) |
Estimated per-capita sugar sweetened beverages intake
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | World Health Organization. (2017). Adolescent obesity and related behaviours: Trends and inequalities in the who european region, 2002-2014: observations from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) WHO collaborative cross-national study (J. Inchley, D. Currie, J. Jewel, J. Breda, & V. Barnekow, Eds.). World Health Organization. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org |
| Notes: | 15-year-old adolescents |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption (% of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption) |
Prevalence of confectionery consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of confectionery consumption (Number of 50g confectionery portions/person/month) |
Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption (Number of 35g sweet/savoury snack portions/person/month) |
Estimated per-capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption) |
Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per-capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with depression disorders |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with anxiety disorders |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: High Income
Health systems summary
Ireland’s public healthcare system is primarily government funded, supplemented by considerably high out of pocket payments. In late 2018, approximately 32.4% of the population had ‘medical cards’ which entitle them to use a wide range of public services free at the point of service (including primary and hospital care). This ‘medical card’ is available to low earners, welfare payment recipients and those with certain medical conditions. Those without ‘medical cards’ can still access services but generally have to pay subsidised fees. Some services are exempt from fees for everyone such as maternity care.
A large proportion of the Irish population (43.4%) also have voluntary private health insurance, which can ensure faster access to public services and/or access to private services. This has led to what many believe to be an inequitable system - as it is more profitable for public hospitals to treat private patients than those with medical cards. Ireland is unusual among its European neighbours for not providing universal health coverage for its residents.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Some progress |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | No |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | No |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | Yes |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | No |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | Yes |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | Yes |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Out of pocket |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
The majority of stakeholders felt that the government did not yet recognise obesity as a disease. Two, however, highlighted that the Irish Department of Health defined it as so back in 2005 (though they recognised that the Health and Social Executive have failed to). Ireland was said to do better on obesity prevention than obesity treatment, with particular praise for its media campaigns and Healthy Ireland initiative.
Overall, there is said to be limited funding for obesity treatment, resulting in one of the lowest rates of obesity surgery and pharmacotherapy provision on the continent. Where treatment is available in the public system there is said to be long waiting times due to a lack of resources and funding. As a result, most obesity treatment is done privately, with insurance generally covering half the cost, leaving the remainder to be paid out of pocket.
It was said that those living with obesity tended to enter the system via their general practitioner (GP), but occasionally via an accident and emergency visit, a public health nurse visit or after childbirth if there were complications. Referral onto specialist services only occurred when one had comorbidities and so most adults only received advice from their GP or nurse. Two stakeholders said an individual had to have a BMI >40 kg/m² without comorbidities or >35kg/m² with comorbidities to receive care. For children, treatment in primary care mostly comes from practice nurses, and when there was referral onto secondary care this was mostly to community dieticians or paediatricians. Stakeholders reported that most people fell out of the system due to lack of referral which is often due to the long waiting lists and narrow criteria.
In Ireland, there is only one centre where secondary and tertiary paediatric treatment is provided and only 2-3 centres where secondary and tertiary adult treatment is (these are not inclusive of private practices). Overall, it is a difficult and long process to receive specialist care.
There is considered to be insufficient numbers of professional obesity specialists in both urban and rural areas in Ireland. There is no specialist obesity training available due to a lack of funding and interest, and because obesity is not recognised as a disease by the medical profession. The only training available is provided in obesity treatment centres, and this training is not formally recognised and has to be self-funded. It was recognised that health professionals in Ireland can otherwise train using SCOPE modules, American Board of Obesity Medicine resources and Canadian courses. There is said to be no obesity related registries.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 7 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
