We can’t remain complacent on obesity problem, President warns

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca urged the authorities to clamp down on Malta’s notorious obesity problem, warning that the time for complacency is over.

Addressing a meeting of the EU Youth and Sports Forum, the President cited recent Eurostat figures which showed that Malta has the highest rate of obese men (24.7%) and women (21.1%) in Europe.

A recent report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers found that obesity cost Malta some €36 million last year, based on self-reported measures of body mass index. The study also estimates that costs would rise by an additional €20 million when measures BMI rates are used.

“Obesity negatively impacts the individual in many ways, with a direct link to decreased well-being,” Coleiro Preca said. “Tackling the risks of obesity is an important overall strategy for preventive social spending, addressing the economic and social impacts of unhealthy lifestyles,” she said. “We cannot afford to be complacent on this issue…the change must begin now.

“We need each other to share good practices, and to find innovative ways of stimulating the imagination and the energy of our young and older generations to take up the challenge.”