Children are now suffering from what used to be considered adult health conditions as a result of rising obesity trends, according to cardiac surgeon Alex Manché.

The problems include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type two diabetes, he said, adding that addiction to junk food not only appeared early in children but was also very strong.

Maltese men topped the European charts for obesity in 2009 and women were second.

Speaking at a public lecture, Mr Manché said lack of exercise was a major contributor to these alarming figures.

Resorting to yo-yo dieting was unhealthy, while sodas should be swapped for two litres of water daily. People could actually gain a kilo for every 20 small bottles of soda they consumed.

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