More than one in four seven- to 11-year-olds in Ireland are either overweight or obese, according to a new report highlighting the problem in Europe.
The International Obesity Task Force (ITOF) study says 28 per cent of Irish children in that age group are overweight, with 8 per cent of those considered obese, a 5 per cent rise from the 1980s.
About 23 per cent of children in the State aged between 13 and 17 are overweight, with 7 per cent considered obese.
Poor food choices and a lack of exercise are contributing to the sharp rise in the number of Irish children who are overweight and whose health is put at risk.
Welcoming the ITOF research today, Markos Kyprianou, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, said the extent of Europe's obesity problem may have been underestimated.
"Our continent is facing an obesity epidemic every bit as bad as the one in North America. I am particularly alarmed at the continued rise of overweight and obesity among school children," he said.
The latest research indicated that more than 400,000 children each year were falling into the obese category, joining the 200 million Europeans who are overweight or obese.
Across Europe up to 24 per cent of schoolchildren were considered overweight in 2002, a 5 per cent rise on 1980s.
In response to the data the EC has unveiled a plan today - the European Platform for Action on Diet and Physical Activity - to promote sensible eating and exercise.
