VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is facing a growing public health crisis, with obesity contributing directly to seven deaths in 2024 alone, according to the National Death Registry. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela confirmed the figures in response to a parliamentary question, highlighting a broader national concern.
The Mediterranean nation continues to record the highest male obesity rate in Europe. A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report revealed that 75% of Maltese men are overweight, the highest rate across 52 European countries. Women fare only slightly better, with 60% also classified as overweight. Official data shows that 45% of 11-year-olds in Malta are overweight or obese, with boys most affected. Among five-year-olds, 34% of boys and 32.2% of girls fall into the same category.
Experts warn that obesity is a major contributor to a host of life-threatening conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. It also leads to chronic joint problems and strains Malta’s healthcare system far beyond the immediate deaths recorded.
To combat the epidemic, health professionals urge lifestyle changes focusing on regular exercise and balanced diets. They recommend 30–60 minutes of physical activity, three to five times a week, along with diets rich in unprocessed foods and low in refined sugars and fats.
Tackling obesity, specialists insist, requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involving doctors, dietitians, and fitness experts—not just medical treatment alone.
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