At least 2,000 people are dying prematurely from obesity every year in Ireland and the condition is costing the country an estimated €1.3 billion annually, a leading doctor has warned.

Currently in Ireland, six in 10 adults are overweight or obese, but according to consultant endocrinologist and obesity expert , Prof Donal O'Shea, ‘by 2030, almost 90% of the adult population is expected to be either overweight or obese and this will result in a 97% increase in obesity-related coronary heart disease and stroke'.

He made his comments at the presentation of a number of Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) awards to Irish businesses and organisations, which are attempting to help their employees make healthier choices.

The IHF workplace programme has been working with Irish companies for over two decades, helping to create supportive and healthier workplaces. This year alone, 70 companies received Healthy Eating Awards, which focus on promoting and providing healthy meal options to employees.

Meanwhile, the Active@Work award, which is only in its second year, was presented to 20 companies for their efforts to boost their employee's physical activity levels.

The IHF noted that having an active workforce has the potential to reduce sick days by up to 27%. It emphasised that workplace programmes such as these can play a major role in the battle against obesity.

"Serious health problems face us as a nation and yet both obesity and cardiovascular disease are largely preventable. Tackling these diseases is more than a matter of individual responsibility. Creating a supportive environment to empower individuals where they work or live is essential," commented IHF president, Prof Declan Sugrue.

He pointed out that around two million people are employed in Ireland, making workplaces a ‘key setting' for tackling obesity.

Any companies interested in the IHF workplace awards should contact the IHF health promotion team on (01) 668 5001.