Study: Two-thirds of Irish adults overweight

Irish people are eating too much butter, biscuits and cakes which could lead to health problems in later life, a survey found today.

Health Promotion Minister Mary Wallace warned that high levels of fat, sugar and salt in the national diet may cause obesity, heart disease or diabetes.

The Slán 07 Study, funded by the Department of Health and Children, also found that 71% of the 10,000 people questioned consumed too much salt.

A total of 60% of those surveyed had a waist measurement which would be defined as centrally obese, with a gender breakdown of 47% men and 70% women.

“The findings from this report confirm that, as a population, we eat far too many foods which are high in fat, sugar and salt,” said Ms Wallace.

“We all need to make a conscious effort to reduce our intake of these foods.

“Poor dietary habits are a major threat to the health and well-being of the population. The message from this new report – to eat healthy foods and to reduce our consumption of high fat and sugary foods – could not be any clearer.”