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Ministers Harris and Byrne welcome the appointment of new National Clinical Lead for Obesity

The Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, and the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne TD, today welcomed the appointment by the HSE of Professor Donal O'Shea as National Clinical Lead for Obesity.

Minister Harris said "Professor O'Shea is a leading expert on Obesity and a passionate advocate in this area. I'm delighted that he will now play a leading part in our national effort to tackle this growing problem. The appointment of a National Clinical Lead for Obesity is a key action under our national Obesity policy, A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan(OPAP). Professor O'Shea's appointment will strengthen clinical leadership within the health service across prevention, early intervention and treatment of overweight and obesity. I very much look forward to working with him in his new role."

The national Obesity policy, A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan covers a ten year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. It prescribes 'Ten Steps Forward' to deal with obesity.

Minister Byrne said "I am glad to report that almost all of the Ten Steps Forward are being progressed, as addressing these is such an important public health and wellbeing challenge.The appointment of Professor O'Shea as the National Clinical Lead for Obesity is a key step in the Ten Steps Forward and I look forward to further progress with implementing our national Obesity policy under his clinical leadership and direction."