Parents in Ireland are giving their children less treat foods, less fizzy drinks and more water at mealtimes compared to a year ago, new research has found.

The research was carried out by Safefood to coincide with the first completed year of its three-year campaign to tackle childhood obesity. It revealed that parents are making more of an effort when it comes to their children's diet and exercise levels.

The number of parents giving their children treat foods every day has fallen by 9%, from 33% to 24%, and parents are now more aware that excess weight in childhood can lead to poorer health later in life.

The findings also revealed that:
-The daily consumption of fizzy drinks by children has fallen by 5%, from 45% to 40%
-The consumption of water by children at mealtimes has increased by 7%, from 31% to 38%
-The serving of more age-appropriate portion sizes has risen by 4%, from 12% to 16%.

The research also found a 6% increase in the number of children getting at least 60 minutes' exercise every day, from 59% to 65%.

According to Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan of Safefood, parents are now making ‘concrete efforts to develop everyday habits associated with a healthy weight in childhood'.

However, she warned that while these changes are welcome, ‘it's much too early to say that we've won the battle against childhood obesity'.

"As a society we didn't reach this child weight crisis overnight, nor will it be solved in one year, but these results highlight that our campaign messages have really resonated with parents.

"It's not easy to cut down on sugary foods when children have become used to overindulging, but parents are making really important changes. It's vital now to keep up this positive momentum for the health of our children," she commented.

Currently, around one-quarter of primary school children in Ireland are overweight or obese and childhood obesity is now beginning at an earlier age. Some 6% of three-year-olds are currently classed as obese.

The findings were welcomed by Health Minister, Leo Varadkar, who warned that childhood obesity ‘is one of the biggest risk factors to this nation's future health'.

"It's really heartening to see that families are paying closer attention to their children's diet and physical activity. It looks like families are increasingly conscious of how even small changes can make a big difference. I want to commend everyone who has made those small but significant changes to their diets and lifestyles," he said.

The results of this research were based on a survey of over 900 parents with children under the age of 12.

The three-year Safefood campaign urges families to make practical changes to their everyday lifestyle habits. For more information, click here