| Sub-title | |
| Authors | V Grech M Ellul J Torpiano D Soler M Caruana S Attard Montalto |
| Abstract | Overweight and obesity is becoming epidemic, worldwide, in both adults and children. This problem is particularly evident in all most all westernised societies due to particular lifestyle and dietary habits. 20% of Europe's school-age children are estimated to be overweight and of these, 1 in 5 is obese. The local situation is reaching critical levels, with childhood and, indeed pan-population, obesity being very widely prevalent. Up to 25% of Maltese children are overweight (85-95% centiles for BMI), and 8% are obese (>95% centile for BMI). In certain age groups, Maltese children are the most obese worldwide, surpassing countries such as Italy, Greece and the US. These figures are the result of genetic factors indigenous to the population, but significantly compounded by an exercise-poor, increasingly sedentary lifestyle together with a startling national penchant for fat-rich, unhealthy food consumed in large quantities. The direct, indirect and long term health risks for the individual and population as a whole are indisputable and, given the current obesity trends for the country will result in an astronomical increase in morbidity and mortality from ischaemic heart disease, stroke and cancers. Moreover, this health burden will translate into an escalating health budget requirement of at least Lm 33.6 million per annum. Obesity is, therefore, the greatest current national health crisis and must be classified as such with urgency. Only then will the problem be afforded the urgent attention required at all levels of the socio-political milieu. A seriouslyfunded, major national campaign must be implemented with urgency and will need to address the crisis at all levels including prevention, lifestyle issues and therapy. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | children, obesity, overweight, prevalence, public health |