One in five teens are overweight or obese

A NATIONAL food survey of Irish teenagers has revealed that one in five is overweight or obese, with the rate in boys increasing faster than in girls.

One in three teens do not eat fruit and four out of five do not get enough fibre. Overall, fat and salt intakes are too high, and although participation in physical activities is high, teens spend a lot of time watching TV.

A research team, based at University College Cork and University College Dublin, concluded that while most teens are a healthy weight, clear guidelines are needed to promote healthy eating and physical activity habits.