This article has been paid for and developed
by Lilly Ireland
PP-OB-IE-0002 May 2025
Khalil Asmar
Head of Diabetes & Obesity for Northern Europe, Lilly
Dermot McNamara
Country Lead & Commercial Manager for Ireland, Lilly
Ireland has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe. Living with obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, causing concern across healthcare.
The increase in the number of people living with obesity, both in Ireland and globally, impacts the economy as well. Despite the challenges of obesity being widely acknowledged, this chronic, progressive disease doesn’t receive the same level of diagnosis, medical care or policy attention as other long-term conditions, leaving those affected with limited support.
Obesity risk factors and complexity
Obesity is Ireland’s slowly unfolding health crisis. Yet, obesity — defined by the World Health Organization as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health and a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 — is still seen by many as the result of individual choice.
“Obesity is a complex condition,” says Khalil Asmar, Head of Diabetes and Obesity for Northern Europe at Lilly. “Despite all efforts, people with obesity can find weight loss difficult to achieve and maintain. This is influenced by multiple factors: biological, genetic, behavioural, environmental, social and cultural.”
Promoting obesity prevention in Ireland
The Government and Health Service Executive have focused on prevention, through the ‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland – Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016–2025.’ This approach aims to help people achieve better health through community-based health promotion programmes, training and enhanced detection and referrals at the primary care level. However, these measures are yet to have the desired impact, and don’t support those already living with obesity.
Solving the obesity crisis begins with tackling some misguided views. “A lot of people think, just eat less and do more exercise,” says Asmar. “Within both the Government and the healthcare system, many don’t see obesity as a complex condition and view it as a result of personal choices and personal responsibility. We need to reframe this narrative.”
Changing public attitudes and addressing the shame and stigma faced by people living with obesity is imperative. “We don’t want people living with obesity to be blamed,” shares Dermot McNamara, Country Lead and Commercial Manager for Ireland at Lilly. “Some feel shame around their weight and don’t seek help. They need to feel confident that they can engage with healthcare providers and be offered options for support,” he adds.
We don’t want people living
with obesity to be blamed.
Clinical guidelines on obesity management
Supporting the 21% of adults in Ireland suffering from obesity is essential to reduce pressure on the healthcare system and boost economic productivity. However, access to evidence-informed care — whether medical, support with physical activity or psychological interventions — can be challenging due to limited capacity and long waiting lists.
The Clinical Practice Guidelines highlight the need to shift the focus of obesity management toward improving patient-centred health outcomes and social and economic participation rather than weight loss alone. This can be best achieved by resourcing and fully implementing the Model of Care for the Management of Adult Overweight and Obesity.
“Obesity can lead to health complications and lower quality of life,” says Asmar. “People living with obesity deserve comprehensive care, in the same way that care would be provided for other chronic conditions.”
Holistic obesity care is needed
Lilly is calling for the Government to implement a holistic strategy that encompasses prevention, education, and adequate services for people who are already overweight or have obesity. “People living with obesity need a core level of support from doctors,” says McNamara. “We need more education for healthcare professionals on how to talk about weight with patients in an empathetic and constructive way. We need to reframe the narrative around obesity. It isn’t an individual problem; it’s a societal problem.”
Collaboration is essential to achieve this. Government, healthcare professionals and non-governmental organisations must work together to deliver better healthcare outcomes for those living with obesity today and prevent future generations from suffering from obesity. If they’re successful, Ireland could have a healthier future.
