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MAYBE GO SLOW on the Guinness and mince pies this festive season – you might not be in as good shape as you think you are.
A new study from Red C Research has found that many Irish people are kidding themselves when it comes to their health and weight.
Despite the country having one of the highest rates of obese or overweight adults in western Europe, the research revealed more than 8 in 10 people still considered themselves healthy.
Nearly 57% of Irish adults are overweight or obese, according to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) figures, but only 43% of those surveyed nominated themselves as fitting into the category.
Some 78% said they had a healthy diet, while less than 1 out of 10 thought they needed to radically change what they ate.
Another recent report found Irish men tended to see food as “fuel” and about 70% were classed as overweight or obese – compared to 50% of women.
Greeks, Germans the most unrealistic on weight
But locals weren’t the most deluded when it came to their weight, according to parallel surveys of other European nations.
Greeks had the biggest gap between perception and reality – with 24% of those polled claiming they were overweight, compared to the WHO’s actual figure of 57%.
Only 37% of Germans said they were overweight, but the WHO said the real share was 67% – the highest of the 12 surveyed countries.
In 3 countries – Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands – more people thought they were overweight than was the case based on the WHO’s data.
Germans were the most likely to say they had an unhealthy diet, compared to 97% of Finns who thought what they ate was good for them.
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Would this article be more aptly placed for perhaps Jan 2nd? Guilt trip on the 24th, Cheers.
Saw a few women of the bleach blonde hoopy earring variety accompany a ball of kids into fast food joint today, I know you’re thinkin “Awh but it’s the holidays” I’d be of the same opinion if the women weren’t all in pyjamas. Conclusion….laziness… Knock on affect… Fatness! I was there for research purposes only!
The amount of fat children in ireland is unreal, and getting worse – that report is conservative. Shame on parents
My kids’ school seems ok in this regard. They do loads of PE and there seems to be very few chubbers amongst them.
Well overweight but I’ll enjoy my Christmas & diet in January
Pauliebhoy 24/12/2014-2013-2012-2011-2010-2009-2008-2007-2006-2005-2004……….
I’m much healthier than I look………now where did I put those fags?
Gtf. I’ll eat and drink what I want,i have two weeks off
We are more honest than the Brits.
Win in my books.
I don’t mind tubby women when I’m out chasing a mate of mine has a rule “if u can’t lift her don’t shift her ” I broke that rule a few times
I’m amazed at the amount of people I know who believe they are healthy when I never see them eat anything I would consider healthy, smoking and drinking all the time. Some people are deluded.
Also, overweight women constantly commenting on how “disgustingly skinny” others healthy looking women are.
Thanks a bunch the journal now I am an anorexic. No more food for me.
‘Tis but a scratch!
80% Diet 20% exercise just eat clever and sure if you do splurge go to Fitness Motivation Ireland on Facebook for personal training and diet advice and you can start in the new year like the rest of the country have a very merry Christmas folks
high stool
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