So what is responsible for the obesity epidemic among Maltese children and their parents? Is it low rates of breastfeeding or sugary drinks? Undoubtedly both are to blame, the latter to a greater degree. However there is not one single cause of obesity, but a complex of social, cultural, familial and other factors.

The Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Study gives crucial information on the rates of obesity among children and their behaviour (including soft drink consumption).

The latest survey was completed in 2010. The study has been published and is available online, giving detailed information from some 40 different countries.

Malta participated in this survey but for some strange reason the Maltese data is absent.

I suppose it is hidden away in some drawer somewhere. So frustrating.

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