It’s food for thought as crisis grows

WE’RE gripped by an obesity crisis so it comes as no surprise that Ireland is one of the top countries in the world for splashing out on fast food.

We fork out an average of €264 per person on takeaways in a year and that figure is nothing short of stomach churning.

Last year it was revealed 40% of Irish people are overweight and nearly a third of our kids are also in that category.

With waistlines expanding quicker than ever before, people are opting for “healthier” fast food options such as chicken according to new stats.

We’re kidding ourselves if we think this is going to make a big change when the real healthy option is to avoid junk food altogether.

With the sugar tax being introduced earlier this month, efforts are being made to change our attitude towards food.

But more needs to be done and fast food outlets need to be targeted next.

The rest of the country should follow in the footsteps of Wicklow County Council in introducing “no fry zones” around schools, meaning no chippers or takeaways can open close by.

The change also needs to happen at home – takeaways may be convenient and can sometimes seem like a cheaper option than eating healthy, but the cost to our health is far greater.

We need to set a good example for our children in order to battle the bulge epidemic.