A European Commission survey has again confirmed that Maltese men are at the top of the obesity table in Europe and are the most likely to die from diabetes. Matthew Bonanno asked people in Valletta what they would do to reduce obesity rates if they were health minister and if they agreed with putting a calorie count next to the different dishes in menus.

Alfred Borg, 56, of Valletta

I think it would be difficult to promote the idea of healthy eating because we’re a lazy nation. We moan about walking short distances. People, myself included, need to learn to eat healthier and walk more. It needs to be drilled into our heads. I think having calorie counts on menus is a very good idea. There also needs to be more choice when it comes to food.

Helge Egeland, 66, of Oslo

I would put lots of advertisements on television and on the newspapers, promoting healthy food and exercise. It’s a very good idea listing calories next to the dishes on menus.

Tiziana Schembri, 24, of Siġġiewi

There have to be more kiosks selling healthy food that’s also cheap because the ones around are expensive. You need to start teaching this stuff from a young age, at school. It’s useless telling an adult to eat healthier and exercise more. I don’t think calories on menus will make a difference because people who are overweight will ignore such information.

Joseph Caruana, 21, of Marsascala

I would increase promotion of healthy food and advise people to avoid eating sweets and stuff like pastizzi. I think it’s a good idea to have calorie counts. That way you know exactly what you’re eating.

Paul Lapira, 49, of Valletta

I wasn’t aware Malta had the highest rates of obesity in Europe. People should be encouraged to avoid fast food. They should be taught about the benefits of healthy food from a young age. I personally don’t have this problem because I prefer eating small portions. I think it’s a good idea to have a calorie count next to food items that could be considered unhealthy.

Catherine Xuereb, 69, of Żurrieq

I would try to get people to eat healthier food through increased promotion on TV and in newspapers. We’re Mediterranean, so we’re meant to have a healthy diet. I agree with putting a calorie count on menus.