Tackling obesity : the big challenge

Abstract

Obesity has risen rapidly in parts of Europe, following the USA. Now classified as a disease by the World Health Organisation, this article argues that the problem has roots in profound societal transitions in the sphere of diet, the physical environment and culture. It was once considered that the countries of the Mediterranean basin had the best diet in Europe and were therefore more protected against diet-related chronic diseases. In fact child obesity is higher in Mediterranean countries, including Malta, than most other European countries and very much higher than the Baltic states, which have always been considered to have a poor diet. It is argued that the consequences for society are profound and that an equally profound policy strategy is called for.