Two of Ireland's most revered athletes are set to present proposals on how to tackle obesity in children through sport.

The Journal reports how senator Eamonn Coghlan and chief executive of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy will address the Oireachtas Committee later today (April 19th).

Combating increasing childhood obesity was described as a health concern that "needs to be dealt with urgently" by the committee's chairman Jerry Buttimer.

"Apart from the huge health and personal issues ... there will also be a big economic burden from treating the effects of obesity in coming years," he warned.

The proposals follow the recent report Growing Up In Ireland, which revealed the number of overweight youngsters found in the country is higher than in many other northern European nations.

In order to understand all aspects of children and their development, the study follows the progress of 20,000 kids across Ireland throughout their early years.

Written by Donal Walsh

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