If you can't see the poll above, click here
The latest ESRI Growing Up in Ireland study shows that 20% of children aged 5 are overweight. 15% of the children are overweight, while 5% are classified as obese.
A child's socioeconomic background continues to be associated with being obese, as the results show obesity is more common in disadvantaged families.
The results are part of the wider Growing Up in Ireland study, which is a follow-up to similar research carried out when the same children were 3 years-old. These new findings also reveal that a quarter of families say they find it difficult to make ends meet. 43% of these families have had to cut back on basics.
Dr. Aisling Murray, one of the report's authors, talked to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about the findings related to weight:
Murray says, "We see some associations with economic disadvantage. Children in the most economically disadvantaged households, they're more likely to be obesity. Overweight is a bit more flat across the social divide. We're also seeing more association with 'screentime', so children spending more time with televisions, DVDs and smartphones are at greater risk of being obese." She advises parents to keep an eye on the amount of time their children are spending on sedentary activities.
Do you think disadvantaged families should have access to free dietary care/advice for their children? Should this be the case across all socioeconomic situations? What do you think are the most effective solutions to promoting regular exercise and healthy eating? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.