There’s a lot of talk about the obesogenic environment and obesity in children is a hugely worrying trend.

The recent Children’s Food Consumption Survey 2005 shows that what happens at home has the greatest influence on our children’s nutritional intake and health. What we buy and have in the house dictates what our children eat.

Children also lead by example so as parents we can model good eating and activity habits. We can provide nourishing family meals and teach our children how to have a positive attitude to food whilst setting limits on foods with little nutritional value.

The threat to children’s health from obesity is not abstract or distant. Until relatively recently, Type 2 diabetes was almost exclusively a disease found in the 50-80 year age group. Now, according to Dr Tony O’Sullivan of the Irish College of GPs (ICGP) task force on diabetes, “children as young as 12 are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes”.

There are also important social and psychological consequences to obesity, such as depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, low rate of marriage and problems sustaining long term relationships.

A Dietitian/Clinical Nutritionist is a health professional who is qualified to give accurate advice and information on all aspects of nutrition and diet. Dietitians/Clinical Nutritionists apply knowledge of food, nutrition and other related disciplines such as biochemistry, physiology and social science to promote health, prevent disease and aid in the management of illness.

Many Private Healthcare offer the benefit of access to practitioners including dietician under certain plans. Check out your insurance policy for details of same.

If you have any concerns or questions re Nutrition or Healthy Eating we have outlined below a list of Dieticians/Clinical Nutritionists

Therese Dunne, Phyllis Farrell, Valerie Kelly – Paediatric Dietitians from Temple Street Children’s Hospital – Read More