New research in the southeast shows that 8% of children aged between nine and 11 are clinically obese.
The study by the South Eastern Health Board shows that a further 33% of children in that age group are overweight.
The SEHB says these latest findings on obesity in children and teenagers are consistent with evidence of an epidemic of adult obesity, and support the view that efforts to prevent obesity should begin in early childhood.
The board is now piloting a new scheme entitled Childsplay, originally designed in New Zealand, which will focus on babies, toddlers and pre-school children.
The health board says the primary aim of the programme is to educate parents in order to establish positive physical activity habits in their children, thereby reducing the risk of them becoming obese.
The board hopes to have the scheme in place by the end of the year.
Training of childcare providers and childcare committee members has already begun, with 30 trained coaches in place and manuals delivered to 300 parents across the southeast.
