Speaking at the launch of the study, Professor Patrick Wall of UCD said childhood obesity levels in Ireland were reaching epidemic proportions.
10% of children aged five to 12 in Ireland are obese.
Professor Wall said children are being exposed to unrealistic images in advertising and standards need to be addressed.
He says obese children generally go on to become obese adults with huge implications for the health service.
Prof Wall stressed that diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and joint problems are all linked to obesity.
'The voice of young people' study found that children as young as four can have a strong prejudice against overweight people, with some thinking that obese people are lazy and are responsible for their own condition.
The study found that sports, active play and school policy on food and meal times help children develop a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Research in some groups in particular low socio-economic settings has revealed some children are eating two to three take away meals a week.
