Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Health the extent of childhood obesity here; the trends he has identified on this issue; if he will provide details of a comparison of childhood obesity in 2005; his plans to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14128/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There have been a number of national studies on childhood overweight obesity over the last 5 years but they use different age groups and therefore cannot be compared to provide an accurate trend. However, it is clear that there has been a two-to-fourfold increase in overweight and obesity in children aged 8 - 12 from 1990 to 2005. While these studies have looked at different age groups, it is possible to conclude that approximately 1 in 4 primary school children are overweight or obese and 1 in 5 teenagers are overweight or obese. Girls are more likely to be overweight or obese.

The most recent information on childhood obesity in Ireland comes from a study of 7-year olds in 2008, funded by my Department, which found that 13% of boys and 19% of girls were overweight and a further 5% of boys and 7% of girls were obese. My Department continues to work with the HSE and other Departments on the development of lifestyle initiatives to make it easier for people to lead healthier lives. My Department is also establishing a working group to progress a number of keys priority actions in areas such as, nutritional information, calorie posting and restrictions on marketing to children.