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Maltese and Greeks are European heavyweights figures reveal

Friday, 24 November 2006

Maltese and Greeks are European heavyweights figures reveal

Figures from the European Commission have discovered that the Maltese and the Greeks are the heavyweights of Europe, whilst the Italians and French are the most trim and the average British person - like the average European - is slightly over the optimum weight.

Obesity, which is a problem linked to a range of health difficulties, including heart disease, is a growing concern across much of the developed world and the European Commission plans to launch a strategy to tackle the matter next year.

Obesity is measured by calculating body mass index (BMI) and a BMI of between 18.5 and 25 is considered healthy, whilst between 25 and 30 overweight and above 30 obese.

The latest figures show that the average citizen in 20 EU countries, including Britain is overweight, however, the average person in the other five, including Italy and France, is officially healthy.

A sedentary lifestyle is blamed for contributing to the problem.

EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said: "This survey provides us with valuable insights into the concerns of EU citizens on health and nutrition."

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