One in four nine-year-olds are obese or overweight

According to the study, based on data relating to 8,000 children, almost one-quarter of nine-year-olds were overweight or obese, while 18% were overweight and 5% were obese. File Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Two new reports have shone a striking light on the poor health of children and teenagers in Ireland.

One new study, including some 8,000 children, has found that one quarter of the country's nine-year-olds are either overweight or obese, with girls more likely to fall into these categories than boys, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds much more likely to suffer from poor health.