The results of a new survey show almost a quarter (23 per cent) of pre-school children are overweight.

Research carried out by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance revealed a higher incidence of obesity in youngsters aged two (27 per cent) and three (32 per cent).

However, just eight per cent of four-year-olds were above the normal weight ranges, which indicate a rapid change in body mass index during pre-school growth and development.

Commenting on the findings, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn said plans are in place to tackle the problem of overweight children.

He stated on RTE's News at One: "Senator Eamonn Coghlan and myself have been talking about introducing a fitness exercise programme in schools, which can be done even in schools that don't necessarily have playing fields."

The report follows a recent proposal put forward by consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Tallaght Hospital Dr Edna Roche to introduce mandatory weighing of children on their first day at school in a bid to target obesity.

Written by Donal Walsh

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