Calls are being made for more to be done to tackle Ireland's childhood obesity rates.
Children as young as two years of age are being treated for obesity at some Irish hospitals.
In one case - at Temple Street in Dublin - a child was treated who weighed almost double the average weight for their age group.
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Obese children suffer from various health problems, including sore joints and back and hip pain.
However there are also major psychological effects, with many obese and overweight children reporting bullying, low self esteem and mental health problems.
Edna Roche is a Consultant Endocrinologist at Tallaght Hospital and member of the Irish Heart Foundation's Nutrition Council.
She says data shows almost 19% of three-year-olds are overweight:
