The Health Minister Leo Varadkar has said problems in the health service will never be solved unless people look after themselves better.

Leo Varadkar made the comments at the launch of a study by his department which shows that six out of 10 people are now overweight or obese.

Minister Varadkar is calling for a 20% tax on sugary drinks in the Budget to address obesity.

He has said it is a pressing concern for the health service.

“Only 32% of people are sufficiently active and 62% of us eat snack foods daily, not just one portion, but on average two,” Minister Varadkar said.

“We will never be able to get on top of the problems we have in the health service, if we don’t improve our health as individuals.”