"The actual cost of doing nothing at this stage is going to be much greater than taking action, " Dr Faughnan added.

BBC: Overweight man measuring his waist

"At the moment, children are eating, on average, around twice as many treat foods as they should be, " Safefood nutritionist Dr Marian Faughnan said.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Parents warned over 'treat foods'

"In order to protect their child's health now and in adulthood, there is a need to reduce these foods in their child's diet and replace them with more nutritious foods, " Dr Faughnan said.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Parents warned over 'treat foods'