Obesity in Ireland is at "epidemic" levels with 60% of Irish adults overweight or obese, a top weight loss doctor has said.
Dr Eva Orsmond, who specialises in weight management treatments, said people need to be more aware of their lifestyle habits as their health can be "seriously affected by excess weight".
She cites fizzy drinks as one of the worst things to consume when it comes to unhealthy foods and drinks as they are full of hidden calories.
“There’s a survey that found out that two out of three children are basically having sugary drinks every day,” Dr Osmond said.
“Liquid sugary drinks are very high in calories and they really contribute to excess weight gain.”
She added that obesity in Ireland is "an epidemic" and "prevention is better than cure" when it comes to weight gain.
“Over 60% of Irish people are overweight or obese and over a quarter of children are already overweight and obese [and] I think it’s important to highlight the fact that we need to start being more aware of our weight and our lifestyle habits," she told Newstalk Breakfast.
Despite this, Dr Osmond thinks a takeaway once a week is fine, as long as "other calories, excess calories, unhealthy calories are in a diet throughout the day" are monitored.
For people carrying excess weight, she added it is vital they try to lose it.
“Losing weight is never easy,” she said.
“It’s important that we do it if the excess weight is there because obesity really means that you are carrying so much excess weight that it’s affecting your health.
“And there’s a direct link to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or aches and pains that people take pain killers for.
“People are seriously affected by excess weight.”
