Obesity levels growing faster among girls: survey

OBESITY levels among girls is growing at a faster rate than boys, according to the most detailed survey ever undertaken in this country into children’s eating habits.

The survey reveals 20% of girls and 15% of boys between the ages of five and 12 are overweight, and that four-in-10 of our children exceed the recommended limit of 35% total energy intake from fat.

The findings are among a snapshot of research projects in the booklet “Quality Food founded on Science”, which has been published by the Department of Agriculture and Food and was launched in Dublin Castle by Minister Mary Coughlan yesterday.