Danger, hazardous waist

We are delighted to announce details of the first ever Men's Health Week in Ireland, which will take place from Monday 13 - Sunday 19 June 2005 with the theme 'Males and Obesity.

It is being coordinated in Northern Ireland by the Men's Health Forum in Ireland in partnership with the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland.

We hope to raise awareness of Obesity through exposure to our 'Hazardous Waist' posters and the 'Small changes big benefits' booklets. These publications highlight the issue and give practical advice on how to make an effective change. We also encourage you to find a way to mark the Week.

Men more at risk

Contrary to popular belief, more men than women suffer from excess weight.

These frightening statistics highlight the need for action:

1. Between 10-20% of men are obese says a recently published report from the National Taskforce on Obesity in Ireland. This can lead to stigma, prejudice, low self-esteem, isolation and humiliation.
2. 45% of men in Ireland do not exercise adequately according to a study by Balanda and Wilde (2004).
3. The UK has the eighth highest rate of obesity in men in a recent World Health Organisation study of 40 countries.
4. If present trends continue, more than three quarters of the UK male population will be overweight by 2010.

Men's Health Week is an excellent opportunity to target men and to raise awareness about men's health issues in general, and obesity in particular. We hope you will take part in this initiative.

International Men's Health Week is celebrated throughout North America, much of Europe and Australia.

Advertise an event

The Men's Health Forum in Ireland is keen to publicise events happening during Men's Health Week. If you or your organisation are planning an initiative, we would like to hear about it, and to publish the details on our website. To submit an event to the website please contact either Trisha McQueen or Colin Fowler at 028 90 31 0891 or mhw@mensproject.org