Parents urged to help combat childhood obesity

Parents urged to help combat childhood obesity

Health officials are urging parents to make healthy choices for their children to help curb the rise in childhood obesity across Ireland.

According to recent research from the World Health Organisation's Obesity Surveillance Initiative, 26 per cent of seven-year-old girls in Ireland are overweight.

The figures also show that 18 per cent of boys aged seven are either overweight or obese, putting them at risk of health problems in later life.

In an effort to combat the problem, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is urging parents to help their children adopt a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age.

Ann Marie Lydon, senior community dietician with HSE West's Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service, said parents can play a vital role in shaping children's exercise and eating habits.

"We know that over 60 per cent of children who are overweight before puberty will be overweight in early adulthood," she commented.

"Childhood obesity is strongly associated with risk factors for heart disease and diabetes."

According to a recent study by scientists at San Francisco State University, removing sugar-laden drinks and high-fat foods from schools could have a positive effect on children's health and weight.