Right on World Obesity Awareness Day, a news conference was addressed by the Minister for Health and Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela and the Parliamentary Secretary for Active Aging Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, during which they were mentioned a number of initiatives that our country is taking to address the challenge of obesity.
It was explained that it is estimated that there are over 250,000 people who suffer from excess weight and work is underway to address this challenge, while offering the necessary help. It was also mentioned how the Government is already offering a number of services to help people suffering from obesity, and work is underway to continue to grow these specialized and focused services according to the needs of the individual. Work is also underway to launch a national strategy to continue addressing this growing challenge.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela said how through this world day awareness about obesity continues to increase. He mentioned how obesity affects everyone, from children to adults, and emphasized the importance of prevention. “Obesity and diabetes go hand in hand and we are working with priority on their prevention. Today there are medications and operations that can be used to address these conditions. Committed to continue to invest more in order to increase awareness and take measures to continue to prevent this condition,” concluded the minister.
Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea mentioned how obesity also affects the elderly where it affects a number of conditions that affect their health. “I believe it is very important to invest and provide education on food both in the elderly and in the younger generation. Through small changes one can continue to enjoy the same type of food but be following a healthier life,” concluded the parliamentary secretary.
The Superintendent of Health Prof. Charmaine Gauci emphasized that obesity is a global health challenge that affects millions of people and mentioned how in Malta we have high figures of overweight and obesity. She emphasized the importance of prevention to address this challenge.
