EU members states, including Ireland, are being urged to do more to tackle the problem of obesity.

According to the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), countries who do not deal with this issue will face crippling healthcare costs in the future.

It said that too few countries have effective strategies in place, while others have no strategies at all.

"Despite the growing epidemic of obesity, many plans consist only of collections of vague goals rather than concrete measures. To be effective, member states need to have comprehensive strategies that cover all aspects of weight management.

"This should include the promotion of healthier lifestyles and the reduction in demand and consumption of excessive amounts of high-calorie food and drinks, as well as the treatment of obesity to help prevent the many other diseases on which it impacts," commented EASO president, Prof Hermann Toplak.

The association warned that a number of conditions are linked to excess weight, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

It also noted that according to a number of reports, if obesity and overweight continue to increase at such a worrying rate, over half of all EU citizens will be affected by 2030 and in some countries, nine in 10 people will be affected.

The EASO made its comments in the lead up to European Obesity Day, which takes place on May 20. For more information on this event, click here