Most boys at the Ninu Cremona Boys' Secondary School, in Victoria have little knowledge of what constitutes a healthy person and the significance of making healthy choices with regard to eating, exercise and alcohol abuse, according to a school survey conducted among its 11-16 year old students.

The survey found that scant regard was given to nutrition-related conditions.

The survey also showed that all too often the vast majority of students' lunches included savoury packets, soft drinks and sweets.

Moreover, bread was rarely wholemeal while fruit and vegetables were practically non-existent in packed lunches.

Too many boys were overweight and, consequently, only few of them seemed to be content with their weight, resulting in low self-esteem.

The data was issued by the school to coincide with Health Promotion Week at the school.

A food pyramid with healthy food and an inverse pyramid to depict the current diet of the students formed part of an exhibition on fitness-related issues.

Talks on healthy eating and fitness are being held for different groups of students. Students are also being given demonstrations on how to make a healthy snack, showing which ingredients must be included.

The event is being coordinated by the schools' guidance and home economics teacher in collaboration with the Gozo coordinator of Skolasport.

Third parties participating in the activity are Good Earth, Health Promotion Unit, Benna, OASI and Nestle Malta.