Following the trend in the developed world, obesity is fast becoming one of the biggest health and economic worries that Malta is facing.

In announcing the launch of an anti-obesity plan yesterday, Health Minister Joe Cassar pointed out that in excess of €20m is being spent every year as a result of obesity-related ill health.

That figure will continue to rise as more people become overweight or obese. In addition, those who are in middle age and obese will start to suffer more problems as they get older, putting more strain on the system.

The West has already said that within the next couple of decades, obesity will overtake smoking as one the leading cause of death and illness, in turn putting a massive strain on the economy. Other nations are already debating the argument of moving onto palliative care for the ultra-obese.

The government’s thrust is to raise awareness on the importance of moderating food portion sizes and resorting to healthier food options. It is no secret that Maltese people have a voracious appetite and eat the wrong things to boot. One only has to look at what people order in restaurants or what they take to work in their lunchboxes to see that taste and size usually win over the healthy option.

Another major problem is that people in Malta do not do enough exercise. We are a sedentary lot, and the figures speak for themselves. Let us be clear. We are not talking about a few round bums and tummies. We have repeatedly placed in the top three for obesity rates for both men and women – only placing behind the UK and the US – the fat capitals of the planet.

When one considers that this is a Mediterranean island where fish is in abundance, along with fantastic vegetables, leaves and olive oil, it makes us wonder where this bizarre behaviour comes from.

Over the years, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate launched several initiatives targeting obesity prevention and management. 

This campaign includes promotion spots on TV, distribution of leaflets, and participation of nutritionists both in the media and within communities.

The Directorate is encouraging the public, especially at this time of the year, to eat moderately while keeping in mind that the fundamental cause behind becoming obese and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and spent.

But the most worrying thing is our children. Data collected here shows that 40% of children aged between 7 and 11 are either overweight or obese. This is absolutely shocking. But then again, does it come as a surprise? A quick trip to the beach in summer would show anyone that a good number of our children are wobbling and fat, eating rubbish as they toddle about.

Obesity predisposes to ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and cancer, among other diseases. Being overweight at such a young age does not do kids any favours. Of course, it is the parents who are largely to blame. Although the government has embarked on various projects to boost awareness in schools, a lot more needs to be done. One way is to encourage more sport and the only way of doing that is by increasing the amount of time dedicated to sports as part of the daily curriculum in schools.