The obesity problem in children is becoming progressively worse, and this is leading to serious consequences on the health system, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne warned.

Speaking at a conference of UE Health Minsiters in the Netherlands, Mr Fearne said: “Obese children will become obese adults, with an increased risk of suffering from certain conditions, like cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer and arthritis,” Mr Fearne said.

“Our health authorities can cure diabetes, cancer and heart conditions but it cannot cure obesity. What we eat affects us and this is where we have to start.”

Mr Fearne said the only good policy was one which was truly enacted. He urged other EU authorities to emulate Malta’s efforts in combating this trend through programmes. One of the initiatives launched by the government locally was to promote a Mediterranean diet, including in restaurant menus.

 “We also have to positively discriminate in favour of healthy food.” He said, however, that not all foods had the same effects on everyone so more research on personalised medicine was needed.