We need action to stem obesity crisis

WITH the commencement of the new school term I was shocked to see a large number of children are now heavily overweight.

Action has to be taken to save our country from a lifetime of illness. It’s time to put all confectionery out of view of the counters of all shops in the country and replace sweets with fresh fruit and nuts.

A tax on all unhealthy products would not only aid our ailing economy but promote a new attitude towards these foods. But most of all, it’s time Physical Education was reformed and made a compulsory subject for those pursuing a career in healthcare.

By dividing the marks of this subject into thirds of physical testing, diet and physiology we can finally educate those who need it most — our doctors.

One of the primary reasons for the ill health of our nation is of the shocking information handed out by the Government and our doctors on how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

New heavily processed vegetable oils are said to be healthier than age-old butter. One is told that to lose fat we need to stop eating fat. Ridiculous. The information passed on is way behind the research out there. It’s time for this country to get real or face a lifetime of ill health.

Liam Kelleher

Mallow

Co Cork