Plan ahead to tackle childhood obesity – Fitzpatrick

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has today (Wednesday), called for parents and schools to adopt a healthy attitude ahead of the new school year.

“We learned this week that school trousers are being sold to cater for pupils up to a size 50 inch waist. It is unhealthy for a grown man to be above a size 40 inch waist so for a child to be larger than that is extremely worrying.

“Health and fitness is something that I am passionate about. It does take a bit more of an effort to ensure that we are eating healthily and that our children are active, but it is well worth it.

“As parents are getting ready to send their children back to school, it is essential to start a good routine from the beginning; prepare healthy lunches, plan dinners and make sure your children get some exercise every day.

“We are constantly hearing the figures on obesity; one in four primary school children is now overweight. But that means that three out of four are not. There is no doubt that we are in a serious situation when it comes to childhood obesity, but this is a very solvable problem. With the cooperation of parents, schools and with Government support we can tackle this problem head on.

“The Government has launched the Healthy Ireland initiative to encourage healthy living in every area of our society. I am committed to working with my Government colleagues towards a healthier and a more active Ireland.

“The news that some children’s waists are up 50 inches wide and that stronger furniture is being ordered in some schools should be a wake-up call to us all that this is an issue we must address and that it is up to each and every one of us to take responsibility.”