Adult portions, inactivity and long periods in front of the television have affected the health of Irish children.
One in four are now overweight or obese and this figure is rising.
The long term risks of diabetes, heart disease and cancer in obese children have long been documented by health experts.
The HSE, Healthy Ireland and Safefood are all supporting the Safefood Childhood Obesity Campaign campaign and are hoping it will help parents tackle the everyday habits that have led to excess weight gain in their children.
According to Cliodhna Foley Nolan, Director Of Human Health at Safefood, only one in five children is taking the recommended daily exercise:
The long term health risks facing overweight children include diabetes, heart disease stroke and cancer.
Dr Aileen McGloin - a nutritionist at safefood - says there are six practical steps that parents should consider to help their children:
