for Ireland

eastfeeding rates as reported in the National Maternity Strategy (2016) remain low by international
standards. The 2013 National Perinatal Statistics Report (Healthcare Pricing Office, 2014) reported
breastfeeding rates of 56% on discharge from hospital, an increase from 53% in 2009 and 46% in
2004. This compares with initiation rates of 90% in Australia, 81% in the UK and 79% in the US (Public
Health Association of Australia, 2010; McAndrew et al, 2012; National Centre for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion, 2014). Rates of exclusive breastfeeding in 2013 were 46%.
FIGURE 2 Key facts on diet and nutrition in Ireland
2.1.2 Physical activity
Physical activity is very important from health, societal and economic perspectives. It plays an
important role in maintaining body weight equilibrium; the more the body exercises, the more
calories it burns.
The findings from the Healthy Ireland Survey (2015) indicate that, in line with physical activity
guidelines, almost one third of the adult population is physically active. It is particularly interesting
to note that those who are obese are more likely to have a low level of activity than a high one.
In relation to children, it is of concern that according to The Children’s Sport Participation and
Physical Activity Study (2010), only 19% of primary and 12% of post-primary school children met the
national physical activity guidelines (Woods et al, 2010). Girls were less likely than boys to meet the
physical activity guidelines. The likelihood of meeting the physical activity guidelines decreased with
increasing age. One in four children was unfit, overweight or obese and had elevated blood pressure.
Children who met the national physical activity guidelines had the best health profile of all children.
It is of note that only 35% of primary pupils and 10% of post-primary pupils received the Department
of Education and Skills recommended minimum minutes of physical education per week. However,
63% of primary and 73% of post-primary school pupils participate in extra-curricular sport at least
one day a week. Boys are more likely to engage in extracurricular sport than girls.
16
A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016 - 2025