Weighty issue with our kids is out of control..

Specialist service can ease problem

- NICOLA DONNELLY

OBESITY in Ireland is reaching epidemic proportions, with five to nine-year-olds ranked ninth in Europe for being overweight and obese, a report has revealed.

Further new research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) published last month found that 10 per cent of children aged between nine and 12 in Ireland have more than one takeaway per week.

But there is help at hand - as the country's only obesity service for children, the W82GO Child & Adolescent Obesity Service, does improve health outcomes, another study has indicated.

New research from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science has analysed the impact the service-based at CHI Temple Street has on children and adolescents.

The W82GO service is the only dedicated centre for paediatric and adolescent obesity management in the country.