No such story | Irish examiner

The recent growth in Ireland study has shown that 22% of Irish nine-year-olds are overweight or overweight.

This survey, tracing over 7,500 children and their families, is the fourth in a series conducted by ESRI and Trinity College Dublin, which have conducted interviews at various stages of their lives.

Overall, it paints a positive picture, with more than three quarters of nine-year-olds in good health.

However, one in eight suffered from a prolonged state of health or disability.

Only a quarter of the nine-year-olds reached the recommended activity level of at least 60 minutes each day.

15% of all nine-year-olds spent two or more hours on TV or DVD on weekdays.

Most children were healthy but 17% were overweight and 5% were overweight.

The study also found that 23% of the nine-year-olds had an online profile, such as a gaming or social media account.

Meanwhile, the children generally had positive attitudes towards school – 62% said they always enjoyed reading. 48% always thought about Maths but only 22% always thought about Irish.