Obesity time bomb - EU must shape up and get healthy

Obesity is a time bomb that threatens the health of the nation and the European Union. At the current rate two-thirds of the people of the EU will be obese by 2030.

The problem normally affects adults, but 10% of Irish children between the ages of 4 and 16 are currently obese, and this will inevitably have long terms consequences because obesity leads to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and strokes. Four out of every 10 deaths in the EU are currently attributable to cardiovascular disease.

The cause of obesity is taking in more calories than are burned off. The most worrying trend is among children, who should be protected against the daily bombardment advertising fast foods that are high in saturated fats.