Childhood obesity facts and figures
LEVELS of childhood obesity in Ireland have reached epidemic proportions with over 300,000 Irish children considered to be obese.
An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and each child's socio-economic background all play a role in Ireland's childhood obesity levels – which are now among the highest in the world. It's also a trend that doesn't look like changing anytime soon as it's estimated that the number of obese Irish children increases annually by 10,000.
A four-year study released last year was carried out on the eating and exercise habits of 8,500 nineyear-olds and its results make for startling reading. Among the key findings was the fact that obesity in Irish children is higher than most other northern European countries, but similar to Britain.
Nineteen per cent of the children involved in the study were overweight at age nine, with 26 per cent 'outside the healthy range' for their age. Girls were also found to be more likely to have weight problems. Twenty-two per cent of the girls in the study were overweight, compared to 19 per cent of the boys. Obesity levels were eight per cent in girls and five per cent in boys.
One in five Irish children is considered to be obese. Overall, 27 per cent of six-year-olds were classified as either overweight or obese. The latest report from the national study of Ireland, 'Growing Up in Ireland', found that 19 per cent of all threeyear-olds are overweight, with six per cent already considered to be obese despite their young age.
Te n per cent of children aged five to 12 in Ireland are obese. Obese children generally go on to become obese adults, causing huge health implications for their futures.
There may be many contributing factors, but without doubt Irish children's diets are central to this ongoing weight problem.
