Malta retains worst child obesity rate in Europe
Malta has among the worst child obesity rates in Europe, the latest figures from the EU show.
The proportion of overweight or obese children in Malta is 29.5%. No other country has a proportion above 20%.
The “Health at a Glance: Europe” report shows that Greece and Portugal also have problems with childhood obesity. Among adults, Malta has the third highest obesity rate, behind Ireland and the UK.
Childhood obesity can lead to health problems in adult life, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Previous research has shown that the ‘obesity tipping point’, or the point at which a child is set up for long-term weight issues, can be as young as just two.
Obesity rates in the European Union have more than doubled in the last 20 years, according to the report, which found that European children, like their American counterparts, don’t get nearly enough exercise. The five most obese countries in the study are Britain, Ireland, Malta, Iceland and Luxembourg. The five slimmest are Romania, Switzerland, Italy, Norway and Sweden.
Earlier this year, world statistics showed that America is still the most obese country in the world. Other highly obese countries include Mexico and Scotland. As nations become richer, their populations tend to eat a more unhealthy diet. The most natural method of losing weight is regular exercise, and a healthier diet. However, some obese people have found that the prescription medication Xenical can help weight loss. Xenical works by blocking some of the fat from food you eat entering your body.
Health experts from across Europe are meeting up this week to discuss what they say is a “worrying trend” of rising obesity levels.
European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli, said: "In order to reverse the growing trend in obesity and other health problems in the EU we need reliable and up-to-date data to underpin the action we take as policymakers.
"This is where the Health at a Glance report makes such an important contribution and shall be a useful tool in the coming months and years."
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oh and those persons who did not allow in a way that *vampir book* in schools libraries and than they allow (pizza it's dough made with lard)and (pastizzi) that is good for health - years ago i tought I read that bla bla bla in s chools- wel always the same story - bla bla bla
N.B. maybe thye say we parenst should not encourage our kids to buy those from schools- obviously, or not give them money while at school- The point is "they should not be at school"! bla bla blaaaa thats all we hear
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it's so true.. so sad...
well, one thing I advice is that walking is very good- and we send or go with our kids to school by walk (local areas) a little rain or some sun won't do bad :) walk walk and walk :) a good diet only is not the answer-
