Representatives of The Malta Heart Foundation, The Malta Exercise Health and Fitness Association (MEHFA), the Diabetes Association and GlaxoSmithKline marked the first European Obesity Day (EOD) today with a walk down Republic Street and an exercise session in St George's Square.
Health Minister Joe Cassar was among those who attend the event, held to raise awareness on obesity and its health-related risks, and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
The exercise session was conducted by fitness instructors Matthew Muscat Inglott and Joe Camilleri, from MEHFA.
People in St George's Square were able to have their Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. They were also given advice on how best to deal with their weight. Fruit was handed out.
Eating the right food, exercising regularly and using the correct medical treatment are believed to be the three necessary pillars for those suffering from overweight problems and obesity.
The EOD, supported with a grant by GlaxoSmithKline, aims to create a healthier Europe by significantly reducing the number of EU citizens suffering and prematurely dying from overweight and obesity. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), between 30% and 80% of adults are overweight in most European countries and overweight and obesity is responsible for over one million deaths each year.
The slogan chosen for this year's campaign, ‘5-10 for a healthier Europe', echoes the importance of overweight and obese citizens to shed between 5 to 10% of their overall body weight. Losing 5-10% can drastically improve one's health as well as reduce the incidence of diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.