Rising levels of childhood obesity is a concerning trend that could leave youngsters increasing their risk of long-term health problems.

This is the finding of a new report from the Growing Up in Ireland study that found 26 per cent of nine-year-olds in the country have a body mass index (BMI) outside the healthy range - with seven per cent defined as obese.

BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in metres. A result above 25 signifies an individual is overweight, while above 30 is obese.

Launching the document, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald said the findings are "very worrying", as childhood obesity is linked to conditions such as asthma, eczema and type II diabetes.

These youngsters are also more likely to become overweight adults, which leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and some forms of cancer.

"Put simply, if we allow current trends relating to obesity to continue, then we are condemning our younger generations to a future of ill health," Ms Fitzgerald continued.

The study found girls are more likely than boys to be overweight, as are those from lower income households.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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