BARBIE PILING ON POUNDS

MANY householders are firing up the barbecue during the hot weather. But experts have warned that summer barbies could further fuel Ireland’s obesity epidemic – with many people scoffing up to treble the normal amount of food every time they eat outdoors.

Health watchdogs insist there’s no need to ditch the outdoor grill, but instead urged barbie fans to cut down on their portion sizes and to swap traditional calorie-crammed favourites like burgers and hot dogs for more nutritious options. Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, director of human health and nutrition at Safefood Ireland, said: ‘You don’t have to have just burgers, sausages or ribs. I would advise to lessen portion size and make sure half the plate is made up of salad or vegetables.’

An average person scoffs a hefty 3,200 calories at each barbecue, while a third of people eat treble their usual dinner portions, according to previous findings from WeightWatchers.

IT goes without saying that ice cream sales soar when the sun is shining. Not surprisingly, there is also a sharp rise in the number of people firing up the barbecue.

But experts warn that we are prone to eating up to three times more when we dine outdoors. Much as this newspaper hates to say so, it might be better for all our waistlines if the spell of glorious sunshine doesn’t last too much longer!