A new association to keep the fat at bay

A Malta Exercise Health and Fitness Association (MEHFA) was set up yesterday, amid statistics showing that obese people are less likely to be employed than others.

The association was officially launched in a drive to promote healthier living and to encourage more people to be more active, more often.

Obesity problems and the number of overweight people have increased at an alarming rate over the past 10 years. It is no longer just a condition but has become the disease of the century and the biggest concern is that today's children are mostly obese, the association said.

Malta has a problem of obesity across all age groups. Tackling this serious problem requires a three-pronged approach, namely: influencing the type and quality of food intake, exercise, and social aspects.

Local taxpayers are believed to fork out €77.2 million (Lm33.6 million) a year to treat obesity and related complications, according to consultant paediatrician Victor Grech. Numerous studies have placed Maltese children among the fattest in the world - 25 per cent are obese - and Malta is on its way to reaching the levels of obesity seen in the US.

Not only is extra weight a major financial burden, but it also eats away years from a person's life. Overweight 40-year-old men live 3.1 years less and obese ones 5.8 years less than healthier counterparts.

The association aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by organising activities, increasing public awareness and by acting as a lobby group for the exercise, health and fitness industry.

MEHFA is headed by Gino Schiavone who has for many years worked within the industry. He is a lecturer in sports, leisure and tourism and has represented Malta in international forums overseas.

"The cost to society is not simply related to the cost of providing medical care. It is also a psycho-social problem - prejudice against obese people. Obesity brings about many challenges, such as costs to the employer because of increased sick leave days," Mr Schiavone said.

Everyone has the right to chose what he wants to eat or to be as active as they wish. But the point is that there are forces that hinder change in the right direction. This is one of the reasons why MEHFA has been formed, the association added.

The focus should be on prevention rather than cure. Therefore, MEHFA will take action by providing a website www.mehfa.eu offering services that will provide advice that is in line with the policies and standards issued by the European Health and Fitness association.