Malta’s serious obesity problem is to be tackled head on with a strategy and an action plan due out by the end of the year.

An obesity strategy “is now in its final stages”, according to a spokesman from the Health Ministry.

He said it would include recommendations for action to be taken by the government and stakeholders working together, “to reduce the trends of obesity and being overweight”.

A new European study on obesity ranked Maltese men first in Europe, with over 65 per cent having a body mass index greater than 25, meaning they are overweight. Of these, 22 per cent are obese. Maltese women did not fare too much better, ranking third.

In February, the authorities had said the obesity action plan would be launched in May. When asked about the delay, the spokesman said that during the consultation phase with the “obesity intersectoral committee”, it was agreed that an action plan “will be laid out in parallel with the strategy”. The action plan would implement the strategy.

“There is a high level of political commitment, including an increase in budget, to tackle this problem this year,” he said. This included employing two new nutritionists at the health promotion directorate.

Last year, the government had committed €150,000 to a campaign to fight obesity through free weight management and aerobics classes, among other things. A total of 60 classes were held.

“The health authorities believe the 2010 campaign was successful in raising awareness on obesity. This was visible through the demand for publications, services and being inundated with calls,” the spokesman said.

Also, at last year’s trade fair, at least 2,500 adults approached for professional health advice on healthy eating, weight loss and physical activity, he added.

Se also

An issue that carries weight -

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110907/local/An-issue-that-carries-weight.383616

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