by Sarah Craus and reviewed by Dr. D. Sammut

It is a known fact that Malta is one of the countries where obesity is a major problem. With over 60% of its population either overweight or obese, Malta has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world and the problem is escalating. Being overweight and obese are epidemic problemsand worldwide, at all ages, particularly in Westernised societies. The direct, indirect and long term health risks for the individual and population as a whole are indisputable. Unless tackled, the current Maltese obesity trends will result in an astronomical increase in morbidity and mortality from ischaemic heart disease, stroke and cancers. Overweight and obesity account for about 80% of cases of type 2 diabetes, 35% of ischaemic heart disease and 55% of hypertensive disease in Europe. In addition, obesity increases the risk for various cancers (breast, ovaries, colon, prostate), gallstones, impaired fertility, asthma, cataracts and  various musculoskeletal disorders. Social stigma is another consequence of obesity and the condition has been linked to bullying, anxiety and depression (Sammut et. al, 2012) Obesity imposes an economic burden on society through increased direct medical costs incurred to treat the diseases associated with it, and indirect costs due to lost productivity because of absenteeism from work and premature death (Grech et al. 2007)

Dr Sammut (a GP who recently carried out an audit about adult obesity) suggests that one can walk to work or park few minutes away from the place of work so that he or she would be exercising daily. Many people use their private cars to go to work or travel even for a short distance. Studies show that people are interested in traveling for short distances by bicycles but they are discouraged by the lack of bicycle lanes present in our roads and the reckless driving. They are also discouraged by the huge amount of traffic on our roads, hence making it unsafe to go by bicycle.

Sammut thinks that the government needs to start aiming slightly below people’s bulging waistlines, by laying siege to their pockets. Fast food such as pizza or cheesecakes is cheaper than healthy food and more readily available. Most women are very busy with work and they spend a lot of time outside their homes. This means that they have less time available to buy fresh fruit and vegetables and to cook healthy meals. They also have less time to exercise. Physical education is not offered as a subject in all schools after students leave their secondary school. This further augments the problem of obesity. Advertising by food companies has probably led to the increased consumption of energy-dense foods and drinks. Some even argue that the government should increase the prices of unhealthy food in the same way as it does with tobacco as both smoking and unhealthy food are harmful. 

 

The influence of the mother’s body weight prior to conception and during pregnancy has a key bearing on the weight of the neonate at birth and thereafter. The National Obstetrics Information System reports that between 2007 and 2009, 37% of mothers were obese in early pregnancy and 49% were overweight.

The Malta Food and Nutrition Policy is being revised to take account of the national epidemic of obesity and the current food consumption patterns. The new food and nutrition policy will concentrate on improving the availability, accessibility, and affordability of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables are being given for free each week to children at school in order to encourage healthy eating and minimize the problem of obesity (School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme).

 

According to a report by the EU and the World Health Organization, 29.5% of Maltese children aged 11-15 were either overweight or obese, far higher than the EU average. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major causes of obesity in both adults and children (Graph 1). Most people tend to spend a lot of hours watching TV or on their computer instead of engaging in physical activity. Urbanization has led to a decrease in physical activity.

Graph 1 – Participation in physical activity

(A Healthy Weight for Life: A National Strategy for Malta 2012 – 2020)

In July 2013, the government launched an outreach team about anti-obesity. This team is found at various popular places such as in Valletta and leaflets are distributed in order to stress the importance of exercising, at least half an hour three times a week. This campaign also encourages people to eat a Mediterranean balanced diet based mainly on fruit and vegetables, grains, olive oil, beans, nuts and legumes. Poultry, eggs and meat should not be consumed daily.

There are many ways of tackling the growing problem of an overweight population and it is vital to recognise that any initiatives taken to address this issue are important investments in the future. By improving the lifestyles of children in Malta we are likewise improving the health of the adults that these children will one day grow into. An overall healthier population will alleviate much of the unnecessary burden on European healthcare systems. For this to be achieved, however, cooperation is needed – not only across member states, but also between policy-makers and citizens themselves (Casa, 2012)

References:

http://www.ibtimes.com/why-are-maltese-so-fat-213170

http://ec.europa.eu/malta/news/28.11.22_eu_obesity_rankings_en.htm

http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20111124-malta-tops-obesity-chart-in-eu

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mediterranean-diet/CL00011

‘Tax fast foods, says doctor about Malta’s obesity problem.’ (February 2013)  Jacob Borg www.maltatoday.com

‘Childhood obesity: a critical Maltese health issue’ (2007), Journal of the Malta College of Pharmacy Practice, Issue 12. Victor Grech

‘Audit of the diagnosis and management of adult obesity in a Maltese general practice’, 2012

Daniel Sammut, David Sammut, Jason Bonnici. Malta Medical Journal Volume 24 Issue 01

‘Comparison of body mass index of a national cohort of Maltese children over a 3-year interval’ (2011). Victoria Farrugia Sant’Angelo, Victor Grech.  Malta Medical Journal Volume 23 Issue 01

A Healthy Weight for Life: A National Strategy for Malta 2012 – 2020

Solving problems associated with rising obesity (2012), David Casa http://www.independent.com.mt/mobile/2012-12-01/opinions/solving-problems-associated-with-rising-obesity-462422022/