Constant snacking is one of the main reasons why one in five children in Ireland are overweight or obese, a dietitian has said. 

In a new report, UNICEF has concluded for the first time that there are more children that are overweight in the world than under weight.

Globally, one in 10 children are overweight or obese, rising to one in five in Ireland, according to data from the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. 

 On Lunchtime Live, dietitian Sarah Keogh said she was not surprised by the figures. 

“It’s holding steady,” she said. 

“I’m going to sound very odd and say what’s good about this study is that it’s not increasing. 

“But it is still quite high and we are looking at one in five children who are struggling and living with overweight and obesity in Ireland.” 

Ms Keogh continued that she feels the Government is taking the issue “very seriously”. 

“They’re really looking at things like children’s foods and things like restaurants and hospitality,” she said. 

“And the obesity strategy, the submissions are going in for that at the moment for the next 10 years. 

“So, it is something the Government is really looking at.” 

Ms Keogh added that she is “slightly reassured” that there has been no increase. 

“Obviously, it would be lovely to see those rates coming down with it,” she said. 

“But we’re seeing a lot of other countries where obesity is climbing and climbing and climbing.” 

Causes of obesity

Ms Keogh said there are a huge variety of factors that cause obesity among children.  

“You’re always going to have some people who will struggle with being overweight or obesity,” she said. 

“On a very, very practical level, there’s lots of reasons from an environmental point of view in the sense of how active we are - walking to school, things like that. 

“Our activity levels, for some people, are a lot lower. 

“The big thing I would see for an awful lot of kids is the snacking - the constant eating. 

“Two years ago, you had breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

“These days, every time you turn around, kids are having treat food.” 

Ms Keogh said treats do not need to be banned outright, but should be limited. 

“Rather than what we’re seeing which is five or six times a day for some children,” she said.

Among adults, the HSE calculates that 60% of Irish adults are overweight or obese.

Main image: Children eating sweets. Picture by: Alamy.com.