­The report issued by the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development showing that nearly one in every four adults (22.3 per cent) in Malta was considered to be obese in 2008, a figure much higher than the 15.5 per cent EU average, may not have come as a surprise.

The same can be said regarding the news that, according to the latest National Household Travel Survey, people are walking less, with many preferring to use their cars even to travel short distances within their localities.

However, such data and reports should serve, first of all, as eye-openers but also stark reminders that Malta has high rates not only of obesity but also of diabetes, cardio vascular disease, anxiety and depression. It must also be borne in mind that all these so-called non-communicable diseases can be somehow or other linked to lack of physical activity.

It would therefore be a step in the right direction if all concerned resolve to put their heads together to see how the country could invest more in the promotion of physical activity not only through information and education but also by developing a healthier social climate for such activity, especially for the new generations.

The young are inherently fit. So the aim here should be to promote that sort of activity that will help to maintain fitness levels and to avoid a decline in activity through the adolescent years. Recommendations for children and youth should therefore focus on promoting a variety of activities that are fun and can be easily incorporated into their lifestyle.

Physical activity needs to be enjoyable and accessible for the individual if it is to be continued. So it is important to help children and adolescents choose an activity routine that is developmentally appropriate and realistic given his or her individual, family and community resources.

Possibilities include team sports, individual sports and recreational or lifetime activities, such as walking and swimming. Any form of physical activity that is regular, enjoyable and sustainable should be the desired endpoint.

As regards adults, the basic message has to be that, as the evidence shows, anyone who increases the level of physical activity, even after long periods of inactivity, can obtain health benefits irrespective of age, because physical activity reduces certain health risks such as those of heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, it is never too late to start.

Identifying ways to incorporate increased physical activity into the activities of daily living can be useful. Suggestions for increasing physical activity among adults should therefore include planning physically active rather than sedentary activities with friends. Having a long chat with a friend while walking rather than via telephone will work wonders.

Walking is surely a free and convenient way to be active and most people can continue do so into old age. Promoting walking could therefore help tackle better the health problems linked to today’s inactive lifestyles. Studies show people can be encouraged to walk more if they are given the right kind of advice.

Physical activity, health and quality of life are closely interconnected. Increasing physical activity among the population has been described as the “best buy” for improving public health. Perhaps the time has come to coordinate a national plan in support of physical activity in order to help modify unhealthy life habits and promote awareness of the benefits of physical activity in relation to health, taking account of the country’s environment, customs and cultural characteristics.