Dr. Orla Walsh:

I am glad the Deputy mentioned eating disorders because I wanted to take the opportunity to mention that a lot of people are afraid to talk about being overweight and obesity with their child and adolescent for fear of starting an eating disorder or causing harm. Research shows that when we do it correctly, speak in appropriate language and talk openly with our young people and adolescents, and when we are treating young people with obesity and are trained to do so properly, then there is no risk of causing an eating disorder in these young people. The COSI study has shown that overweight and obesity is more likely in girls, as are eating disorders, and we need to improve our education and support of female adolescents to improve their health. Obesity in adolescents is an epidemic now, and we need to take this opportunity to treat it and not be afraid of doing that for fear of causing an eating disorder. There are both important topics facing the health of our adolescents at the moment, and if we are to invest in anything, we should invest in the health of our adolescents. If we have healthy adolescents, we will have healthier old people and a healthier next generation.