Irish mothers are more likely to be obese, to smoke, and have induced births, it has emerged.

Having a tough childhood can affect your long-term health and even cause chronic illness in later life, according to research.

Disadvantaged women are 42% more likely to be obese after childbirth than their well-off counterparts, it has emerged.

A report commissioned by the Health Minister is said to recommend a hike in excise duty on minerals.

Babies who are breastfed for longer and weaned on to solids later are less likely to suffer childhood obesity, a study has revealed.

CHILDREN from “less socio-economically advantaged” households are more likely to be overweight than those from professional classes.

FAST food outlets are to be banned near schools under plans being considered by the Government in the battle against soaring levels of childhood obesity.

More than a quarter of nine-year-olds in Ireland are overweight, and 7% of those are obese, a study has found today.

THE greater the distance people have to travel to their nearest supermarket the greater their risk of cardiovascular disease, new research shows.

REGULAR exercise reverses the body clock by 14 years, a report on sporting activity in Ireland has revealed.

More than a quarter of a million people at risk of poverty could not get a medical card because Government rules found they earned too much, it was claimed today.

ATTENDANCES at accident and emergency (A&E) departments have risen twice as fast as the increase in population, new research shows.

Unemployment benefits can be raised without removing the incentive for people to return to work, according to a new study.