Minister Of Health Proposes New National Action Plan On Obesity

The Minister of Health, Alma Möller, has opened a parliamentary proposal on measures to tackle obesity for public consultation via the government’s consultation portal. One of the stated aims is that childhood obesity in Iceland should no longer be the highest among the Nordic countries, reports RÚV.

The proposal sets out setting out a five-year action plan to address obesity nationwide.

One goal is to strengthen prevention efforts and reduce the incidence and progression of obesity, particularly among young people. This includes working to counter negative attitudes and stigma.

The plan also aims to ensure that obesity among children is no longer the most prevalent in the Nordic countries, to treat obesity in the same way as other chronic illnesses, and to offer a range of professional treatment options.

The explanatory memorandum accompanying the proposal states that 59 percent of Icelanders are overweight or obese, as are 26 percent of children. Of these, 22 percent of adults and 7 percent of children are classified as obese. The prevalence of obesity is described as one of the greatest public health challenges of our time, with case numbers having risen rapidly in recent decades.

The government’s proposed future vision includes:

Strengthening preventive measures, with a focus on reducing new cases of obesity and preventing the development of severe obesity, particularly among young people, alongside efforts to counter negative attitudes and stigma.

Reducing childhood obesity so that rates in Iceland are no longer the highest in the Nordic region.

Treating obesity in the same way as other chronic illnesses, including structured assessment, formal diagnosis, and access to long-term, evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation.

Ensuring access to a wide range of professional treatment options for those requiring healthcare support for the condition.

The Grapevine took a deep dive into obesity and lifestyle-related health issues in Iceland in the cover feature of our January issue. You can read it here.