In 2007 a study of five and six-year-olds found 13.2 per cent of girls and 14.7 per cent of boys were obese. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A study of the height and weight of primary and secondary schoolchildren is needed to properly tackle the obesity problem, which is “reaching epidemic proportions,” according to consultant paediatrician Victor Grech.

Taking these measurements was crucial for the proposed Food and Nutrition Policy and Action Plan to achieve its aim to reduce obesity, Prof. Grech said.

The plan, which is currently in consultation stage, aims to actively tackle obesity with a special focus on children while helping the Maltese move towards adopting a healthy diet.

It calls for the development of a communication strategy as well as comprehensive surveillance and monitoring of food consumption by the Maltese.

Laboratory studies will reveal the exact composition of local food products.

It is estimated that the obesity problem will eat away €35 million from the country’s coffers by 2020 if people do not change their lifestyles.

Prof. Grech said he welcomed the proposals that were made in the action plan.

“But for it to work and before any money is spent, we have to have studies.”

A simple method of collecting data would be to have PE teachers weigh and measure the height of schoolchildren, he said.

These would be passed on to researchers and “give a detailed picture of what is happening now”.

He has put this suggestion to Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, who, he said, intended to take it up.

“We need a good sample to be able to compare the ‘before’ and ‘after’ – it will not cost any money to collect the measurements.”

It was only with this research in hand that the authorities would know whether and which of the interventions were working.

Together with Victoria Farrugia Sant’Angelo, head of school health services, Prof. Grech has published two research papers focusing on childhood obesity.

A 2007 study looked at all five to six-year-olds in primary school – 3,461 children were weighed and measured by school doctors and nurses and their body mass index (BMI) calculated.

At least 20.6 per cent of girls and 19.9 per cent of boys were found to be overweight while 13.2 per cent of girls and 14.7 per cent of boys were obese.

A second study measured 3,435 children with an average age of 6.8 years in 2008 and, two years later, in 2010.

More than a quarter of them were found to be overweight or obese in 2008 but this proportion rose to over 40 per cent when the same cohort was measured just two years later aged nine.

We need a good sample to be able to compare the ‘before’ and ‘after’

Prof. Grech welcomed the action plan, saying it was a “commitment” on a political level to tackle the problem, which “would wreck our health services if nothing is done about it”.

The need for research was reiterated by nutritionist and occupational therapist Daniela Cassola, who said it was important to monitor progress and ensure targets were achieved.

She too welcomed the action plan as a sign there was a renewed emphasis on addressing food and nutrition in the country.

“There is a specific commitment to reduce the prevalence of obesity, as well as other non-communicable diseases.

“It is evident that efforts need to be stepped up,” Ms Cassola said.

Different factors had to be taken into account to effectively tackle the obesity problem, such as the portions of food consumed, the habits, food production, genetic predisposition and individual activity levels.

“Education is key but adequate funding and staffing are required to turn policies into concrete action and achieve results,” Ms Cassola said.