1. Presentation to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, November 2012

2. About the NHF Established in 2005 Innovative multi-stakeholder approach – obesity is everyone’s responsibility Focus on positive balanced messaging Bringing together those with interest in healthy lifestyle promotion i.e. diet and exercise

3. NHF multi-stakeholder membership

4. NHF Mission & Objectives Mission: communicate evidence based information on nutrition, health & physical activity to encourage an improved and healthier society in Ireland Objectives: promote a healthy Ireland through: Consumer Understanding – research projects Communication – initiatives based on research Working with Government/Non-Government Further development of the NHF – greater representation via companies & organisations

5. Obesity The Cause: A Great Debate (Some examples only) Energy balance: calories in/out Physical inactivity Healthy vs. Unhealthy food choices Eating behaviours Food behaviours At home vs. away from home Genetics Community design Automobile culture Parenting practices & behaviour Marketing/Advertising TV/computers/games The food industry Inexpensive “unhealthy” food vs. expensive “healthy” food The environment Individual responsibility Lack of sleep No single cause – everyone needs to be involved and working together

6. Why are we here? (1) Childhood obesity & its prevention Foetal origins of disease – key in development of diseases in adulthood Support of NHF and its multi-stakeholder approach in helping to address obesity using evidence based information.

7. Who to prioritise in relation to childhood obesity? (1) Pregnant women –Foetal origins of disease & the first 1000 days of life; most important –Weight gain, breastfeeding & weaning practices –Opportunity at first GP presentation

8. Children –Need good nutrition & physical activity normalised –Healthy eating guidelines for preschools and schools should made compulsory –Healthy lifestyle initiatives should be made compulsory –NHF & RAI – with the Who to prioritise in relation to childhood obesity? ( 2)

9. NHF annual seminar:examines role of public & private sectors in tackling obesity –Thought leadership; national & international speakers, food and beverage industry, NGOs on work in nutrition, lifestyle & physical activity Workplace wellbeing Campaign Eat Smart Week – healthy eating week Move Smart Week – physical activity week Nutrition guide & diary for the teenage Camogie player Other NHF activities

10. Multi-stakeholder approach many other influences play a role in prevention & management of overweight & obesity –government departments, education, food & beverage industry, sectors responsible for physical environments, social & community sectors –A coordinated approach across all sectors and Government departments is required.