Some 42 per cent of men and 27 per cent of women in Ireland are overweight, and obesity levels in the overall population have increased by 3 per cent in four years, according to a new survey.
The National Health and Lifestyle Survey (SLAN) published by the National Nutritional Surveillance Centre says obesity has increased across all socio-demographic groups.
A total of 14 per cent of men and 12 per cent of women are classified as obese, compared with 11 per cent and 9 per cent in the 1998 survey. The vast majority of people surveyed (75.8 per cent) believe their diet could be healthier.
Respondents from what the survey describes as the "lower social classes" show the highest levels of obesity (17 per cent). Those who are single or who have never been married are less likely to be obese (11 per cent) compared to those who are married or cohabiting (15 per cent) or those who are widowed, separated or divorced (14 per cent).
Although the number of people consuming the recommended portions of fruit and vegetables has increased, there continues to be a large proportion of the population who are consuming large amounts of high-fat and high-salt foods, the survey says.
Overall, there was a 7 per cent increase in those who say they consume the recommended four or more servings of fruit and vegetables every day, from 62 per cent to 69 per cent.
Although women reported consuming fried foods less frequently than in the last survey, men are consuming this type of food more frequently.
The survey says 34 per cent of those surveyed said they eat the recommended six or more servings per day of cereals, bread and potatoes, while 66 per cent consumed less than that.
This shows an overall decrease in those who comply with the "food pyramid" recommendations, the survey states.
A total of 29 per cent of respondents said they eat the recommended three servings of dairy products each day, while 33 per cent consumed less and 39 per cent consumed more.
In the meat, fish and poultry "shelf", some 39 per cent said they eat the recommended two servings each day, 23 per cent consumed less and 38 per cent consumed more than the recommended amount.
Just 17 per cent of people said they ate foods from the top shelf of the food pyramid (saturated fats and sugary foods) sparingly.
Overall, 33.6 per cent of people reported being on some sort of diet, compared to 30.2 per cent in the previous study. Some 9.3 per cent were on a low cholesterol diet, while 14 per cent were on a weight reducing diet and 3.7 per cent on a vegetarian diet.
The survey and the National Nutrition Surveillance Centre are funded by the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health.