Are rushed lunch breaks in schools to blame for childhood obesity?

The number of obese children in Ireland has reached an extremely concerning level. It is believed one in four children in Ireland is overweight or obese.

The main causes of obesity include a high intake of processed/unhealthy foods and a lack of exercise.

However, Sinn Fein’s education spokesperson, Kathleen Funchion TD, told the Irish Mirror that the length of time children have for their lunch breaks may also be to blame.

She stressed that ‘rushed’ lunch breaks are not helping the obesity crisis amongst Ireland’s school students.

She said: “Rushed lunch breaks in primary and post-primary schools are not conducive to combating the rise in obesity and other health issues in children.

“Concerned parents have contacted my office about their children, complaining about the lack of time for eating during their breaks with many arriving back home with their lunch box barely touched,” she added.

The average school gives 10- 15 minutes for a mid-morning break and 30 minutes for the main lunch break.

Kathleen Funchion said this is simply not good enough for pupils who have to eat their food in such a short space of time.

She added that it is also having an impact on their personal hygiene as they have “little or no time for eating and for basic hygiene, like washing hands".

Eating too quickly can increase the risk of being overweight or obese. A recent study found that people who eat too quickly are three times more likely to be overweight than those who ate more slowly.

Do you think school children should be given longer lunch breaks?

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