Main findings of the North/South Ireland Food Consumption survey:

Two thirds of men and almost half of women are overweight or obese.

Two thirds of men and almost half of women are overweight or obese.

Physical activity levels were low, particularly in women, with walking the most important recreational activity for 41 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women.

More than one third of men and one fifth of women reported consuming more alcohol than the recommended maximum weekly intake.

More than three in four adults did not meet the nutritional goal for dietary fibre intake. This is likely to lead to impaired bowel function and constipation which may contribute to an increased risk of chronic gastrointestinal disease.

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There was a significant prevalence of inadequate intakes of calcium in women and of iron in women of reproductive age.

Few women of reproductive age achieved the folic acid intake recommended for the prevention of neural tube defects in babies.

Almost one quarter of dietary energy is consumed outside the home.