Irish people weighed on average 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilogram) more last year than they did in 2002, the third-highest weight gain in the European Union, a new survey reveals.
The Eurobarometer survey on health, food and nutrition published by the European Commission today, says respondents weighed an average of 161lb (73.2kg) at the end of last year, compared to 157.5lb (71.6kg) in 2002.
Irish people weighed on average 1.6 kilogram more last year than they did in 2002. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien
The survey looked at the health and physical characteristics of Europeans, their diet and general eating habits, problems related to being overweight, and their physical activity levels.
More than a third (36 per cent) of Irish people polled felt their weight was too high, compared to 31 per cent in 2002. At EU level, 55 per cent of Europeans think their weight is about right, while 38 per cent feel it is too high. More women (44 per cent) than men (32 per cent) believe they are overweight.
The survey also shows the Irish people now exercise less than they did. On average, respondents exercised on 2.3 days in the previous week, compared with just under three days in 2002.
However, some 87 per cent of the Irish people surveyed said they considered themselves to be in good health.
Less than 30 per cent of Europeans carry out "intensive" physical activity on a regular basis. Eating more vegetables and less fat are the most frequent changes that respondents across the EU said they had introduced into to their eating habits.
One in five people polled in the EU survey had been on a diet in the past 12 months.
Most people polled (85 per cent) also feel that public authorities should play a stronger role in fighting obesity and 95 per cent of those surveyed said they recognised that obesity was harmful for health.
Nine out of ten Europeans feel that marketing and advertising influence children in their food and drink choices.
EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said: "This survey provides us with valuable insights into the concerns of EU citizens on health and nutrition. EU citizens are aware there is a problem with overweight and obesity in Europe, and that much depends on their willingness to address it and change their lifestyle.
"At the same time, they also support a strong role for public authorities, including EU institutions, in devising a consistent policy to tackle obesity across Europe. The Commission is planning to respond to this call by developing proposals for a European strategy on the issue next year."
The survey found that the lifestyle of EU citizens, in particular a lack of time, appeared to be the main obstacle to healthy eating.