The number of families having difficulty making ends meet has more than doubled in the last 4 years.

The latest 'Growing Up in Ireland' survey shows that 61% of families are struggling now compared to 29% 4 years ago.

It followed the families of 13-year-old children who were also interviewed when the children were aged 9 between 2007 and 2008.

Meanwhile the same study also shows that children who develop weight problems by the time they are 9-years-old still struggle at age 13.

26% of 13-year-olds in the survey of 7,400 children and their families were deemed to be obese or overweight.

Overweight problems

It also shows that more than half of those who were overweight at 9 were still suffering weight problems at 13 while 40% had become obese. 

It is the second survey in as many days to highlight the Irish weight problem.

Yesterday we heard how the issue is costing the country over €1 billion a year.

Major study

The study is taking place over 7 years and following the progress of 2 groups of children; 8,500 9-year-olds and 11,000 9-month-olds.

The main aim of the study is to paint a full picture of children in Ireland and how they are developing in the current social, economic and cultural environment. 

This information will be used to assist in policy formation and in the provision of services.

'Growing Up in Ireland' is a government study funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in association with the Department of Social Protection and the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Research Professor with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is James Williams.

He says this study shows the effects of the recession on Irish families.