Dr. Orla Walsh:

It is important to be clear about whether we are talking about the prevention or treatment of obesity. For the prevention of obesity, my colleagues in Safefood are looking at the food environment and diet is a huge contributor. Products that are sold as food but have a very low nutritional value and a very high calorie value are constantly being marketed to our children. For the treatment of obesity, we need a different approach. We have children and adolescents who are living with obesity. They are living with stigma and the shame related to it every day. They have physical health consequences as a result. In my clinic every week, I see 13-year-olds with hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and pre-diabetes. These children and adolescents need treatment now for this complex disease. Internationally, there is access to weight loss medications and surgeries. We in Ireland need to up our game so we can offer those treatments to children.