Men's Health Forum in Ireland: Men's Health Week 2005

HAZARDOUS WAIST!!!
- up to 20% of men in Ireland are obese

Contrary to popular belief, more men than women suffer from excess weight. Indeed, the recently published report from the National Taskforce on Obesity in Ireland outlined that between ten and twenty percent of men are obese, and that this can lead to stigma, prejudice, low self-esteem, isolation and humiliation.

The first ever all-island Men's Health Week took place from Monday 13th - Sunday 19th June 2005. This focused upon the theme of "Males and Obesity" and was launched by two special guests - a pair of Sumo Wrestlers - on Friday 10th June 2005 in:

The Northern Ireland Science Park, The Innovation Centre, Queen's Road, Queen's Island, Belfast at 10.00am
Killinarden Enterprise Centre, Killinarden, Tallagh, Dublin at 4.00pm

This week was coordinated locally by the Men's Health Forum in Ireland.

Five thousand Hazardous Waist posters were distributed to workplaces, community and leisure facilities, primary health care facilities, and other places where men might see them. It was hoped that these posters would raise awareness of this serious concern for men. Statistics highlight the need for education and a change in behaviour.

Currently, International Men's Health Week is celebrated throughout North America, much of Europe and Australia. However, until 2005, this important event was not part of the calendar on the island of Ireland. Thus, the opportunity to highlight the health issues facing local men had been lost - until now.

Follow the links below to find out more:

Key facts on men and weight
Hazardous Waist poster (A4 size PDF file)
Events taking place

The Men's Health Forum in Ireland now has a new website. To see it, click here ...

Click on the blue button to return to the main Men's Health Week page