22 schools around the Kildare area to be studied to aid food provision and prevent obesity among children

A survey will be conducted in 22 schools around Kildare to help turn the tide in the growing epidemic of obesity among young people all over Ireland.

Local councillor Fiona McLoughlin Healy made the announcement via her facebook page this afternoon, saying that it is something that she has been pushing for over the past while, and the survey has has been supported by the Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board.

"In recent years, levels of overweight and obesity have increased detrimentally with 60% of adults and one in four children in Ireland are either overweight or obese. It is estimated that the cost to the tax-payer exceeds €1.64 billion per annum. As we now know overweight and obesity are significant risk factors for many chronic diseases including heart disease, cancers, Type 2 diabetes, respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions," said the Fine Gael councillor on facebook.

"Obesity is also linked to mental health issues.

"As a KWETB board member, as a founder of Food Rebels Ireland and advocate of honest information and marketing of foods I am excited for the opportunity to assess the quality of foods our students are accessing across Kildare and Wicklow. This survey will be the starting point to ensure that we are giving our students the best possible head start in life by feeding their minds and bodies with accurate information and nutritious food.

"A special word of thanks to Sean Ashe, CEO of KWETB (in photo) for his support. Kildare and Wicklow ETB is the main provider of adult learning in Kildare and Wicklow. Sean, together with his dedicated Principals, teachers and staff, fully embrace the concept of life-long learning and personal development . It would not be possible to drive this project forward without his support."