45% of Spanish children age 6 to 9 are overweight

SPAIN A recent study that analysed various aspects of their lifestyle, as well as monitoring their body mass, found that almost half (45%) of the 8,000 Spanish children between ages 6 to 9 are in the obese category. The study's aim was to analyse, via measureable data and not just opinion, the magnitude of the problem in the country. Some of the information reveals that boys tend to be fatter than girls of comparable age and status. Families with lower education and least financial resources are more likely to contain children with weight problems. Lifestyle plays an important part, too, according to the study: children who lead a sedentary life in front of a game console, TV set or computer are likely to be fatter to those getting out more. And, significantly (considering the erstwhile importance of the famous Mediterranean diet once prevalent in Spain), school meals are overall healthier than those at most homes: it was found that 56% of children who ate regularly at school were normal in weight. The tendency among those who eat at home is for being overweight.>>>

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Spain, among the 'most obese' in Europe
According to the Minister for Health, Leire Pajín, the data prove that obesity and overweight children are "a serious public health issua" that "continues to grow" as it is in the rest of Europe, where despite the fact that there is little reliable data, Spain would be among the top of a list of excess weight among children. Only Italy, Portugal and Malta would be above Spain on the list.

Nevertheless, points out the Minister, the figures in Spain have "stabilised" when compared to the enKid study, using similar methodology to this one and carried out from 1998 to 2000.

New measures against unhealthy food
Minister Pajín took advantage of the publication of the study to announce that her ministry will be proposing "concrete measures" to reduce infant obesity to the upcoming InterTerritorial Health Council, although she was aware that no new laws could be passed now that Congress has been dismissed prior to national elections on November 20.

In any case, there are numerous proposals aimed at reducing infant and child obesity, as well as laws that better regulate foodstuffs and fast food purveyors.