Childhood Obesity Report

The HSE has recently published the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. The report provides a current picture of the height, weight and BMI in primary school aged children in Ireland as well as the trends over time since 2008. Some of the key findings are:

• Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Irish children seems to be stabilising
• Girls are more overweight and obese than boys
• Higher overweight and obesity rates among children attending disadvantaged schools

Some key healthy habits that may prevent childhood obesity include the following:

1. Reduce portion sizes
2. Manage treat foods – not every day
3. Replace sugary drinks with water
4. Make being active fun – everyday
5. Have less screen-time
6. Encourage more sleep

The National Nutrition Surveillance Centre in UCD carried out the research on behalf of the HSE. A copy of the document can be found below:

 >  The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (PDF)