Press Release: Thursday 7 August 2025
Minister Murnane O’Connor launches Public Consultation on New National Obesity Strategy
The Minister for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor has today launched a public consultation to inform the development of Ireland’s next Obesity Policy and Action Plan.
This consultation invites individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations to share their insights, experiences, and recommendations in shaping a new, inclusive strategy to tackle obesity. All submissions will be reviewed and compiled into a report, that will guide the drafting of the new strategy.
Minister Murnane O’Connor, said:
“Obesity is one of the most pressing public health challenges facing Ireland today, with over half of our adult population affected by overweight or obesity. This is not just a personal health issue—it’s a national concern that impacts our healthcare system, our communities, and our future.
“Thanks to the current strategy, we’ve made important progress in stabilising obesity rates and implementing key actions, but now we must go further.
“That’s why we’re launching this public consultation—to ensure the next national obesity strategy is informed by the voices of those it will serve. We want to hear from everyone—individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and community organisations. Your input is essential to creating a strategy that is both effective and inclusive.”
Ireland’s leadership in obesity prevention and treatment has been recognised internationally. At the European Congress on Obesity held in Dublin in 2023, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO-Euro) launched its integrated service delivery framework for obesity management, highlighting Ireland’s approach as a core example of success. WHO-Euro commended Ireland’s model of care for offering scalable and effective solutions through coordinated efforts across all levels of the health system—providing valuable lessons for other countries seeking to strengthen their own obesity management frameworks.
The consultation is open until 18 September 2025.