The results of new research into heart disease have highlighted the importance of finding new ways to prevent childhood obesity.

Consultant endocrinologist at St Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, County Dublin, Dr Donal O'Shea told the Irish Times the findings prove tackling the problem of obesity is paramount.

The study found a link between overweight children and a greater risk of heart disease, with two-thirds of severely obese youngsters having at least one risk factor for the condition.

Dr O'Shea commented that there has been a six-fold increase in obesity for girls and an eight-fold rise in the prevalence of the problem for boys in the last 30 years.

"This represents a tsunami for the healthcare system in terms of the numbers of people who will require medical treatment early in adult life," the expert warned.

Dr O'Shea's comments follow a recent survey by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance that revealed 23 per cent of pre-school children are overweight.

Written by Donal Walsh

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