Ireland is well on its way to becoming the most obese nation in Europe if serious measures aren’t put in place according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
By the year 2030, it is estimated that roughly half the Irish population will be classed as clinically obese.
The worrying news comes after research carried out by WHO experts. The forecasts are based on recorded and projected figures form 2010 up to 2030.
The prediction is that in 15 years’ time Ireland will be the fattest of the 53 countries that were included in the study.
Nearly 90% of Irish men are expected to be overweight, and 85% of Irish women. Overweight is classes as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 25 and 29.9.
The obesity levels amongst Irish men will rise from 24% in 2010 to 48% by 2030. The figure for women in Ireland is expected to rise from 23% to 57%.
Ireland is not alone in this worrying trend, with most of Europe heading in the same direction. The UK, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Austria, Greece and Spain are just some of the countries that are also looking at a health crisis.
The Netherlands are one of the only European countries that are actually bucking the trend, with overall obesity levels on the decline.
Experts are warning that the Irish government need to take action now to prevent this problem escalating into a national health crisis. They recommend that support systems need to put in place to advise the public how to lose weight best using healthy diet and exercise.