ALMOST a fifth of pre-school children’s daily diet is unhealthy treat food, new research has found.
The study also reveals that a child’s daily calorie intake from unhealthy treat foods increased as they get older with a quarter of primary pupils daily diet consisting of treats that are high in fat, sugar and salt.
Other figures show that currently a quarter of children aged two to 15 years in the north are reported to be overweight with six per cent obese.
The study shows that treat foods like biscuits, chocolate, soft drinks and savoury snacks contributed significantly to the total intakes of saturated fat and added sugar among children.
The initiative from safefood, the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health also aims to highlight the role of snacking and treat foods in children’s lives.
Dr Aileen McGloin, director of nutrition with safefood said:
"We want to support parents to rethink their children’s snacks, both in terms of what they buy and what they give.
"Offering healthier snacks particularly during those after-school times during the week would be a good place to start."
Dr Colman Noctor, child and adolescent psychotherapist, added that the research "underlines how we need to become more proactive about supporting the health of future generations by encouraging good dietary and physical activity habits".
"The key is to make gradual and progressive small changes," he said.
NI ladies football captain Marissa Callaghan, has lent her support to the campaign.
She said: "It’s not about trying to be perfect, it’s about giving us the necessary advice to make better choices and to introduce healthier options.
"As a mum, I want to make sure my young son, Quinn, is eating a healthy, balanced diet."
