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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The authors of the study link this disparity to income in- equality, noting that on aver- age, persons living in the north were also found to live in larger residences, have better literacy levels, have a higher chance of owning their home – rather than renting – and have lower levels of unemployment when compared to the South. This emerges from a study a national study carried out in 2015 to measure the body mass index (BMI) of all 41,343 chil- dren attending school in Malta thereby covering ages 5 to 15. The study found that 40% of school-aged children in Mal- ta were overweight or obese. The study found that most overweight children were also obese. On the other hand, less than 3% of children were under- weight. The highest rate of un- derweight children (4.2%) was found among males in Gozitan secondary schools. Boys hailing from the south were the most prone to weight problems. Only 51% of males in primary school in the two southern regions had a normal weight (neither underweight nor overweight) compared to over 58% in the two northern regions. Among girls in the same age bracket, the difference was less pronounced, with 57% to 59% having a normal weight in the south, com- pared to 63% in the north. Results show significant differences in BMI (Body Mass Index) between chil- dren living in northern and southern regions of Malta. Obesity rates in Gozo and southern regions are also sig- nificantly higher among fe- males attending secondary schools, peaking at 28% in the south harbour region com- pared to 21% in the north har- bour region. The study shows a significant difference in BMI between children living in the northern regions and those living in the southern parts of the island, with the authors noting that the difference is notable be- cause of "the small size of the country." These trends demonstrate a relationship between socio- economic status and obesity, reinforcing studies done in other countries. For example, American data- sets over the years have shown that higher levels of childhood overweight and obesity were present in families with par- ents having a lower level of education, those living below the poverty level and those liv- ing in low-income neighbour- hoods. Despite the north-south dif- ferences, all regions show a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. The authors of this study call on government to provide the "necessary leadership" to tackle this major issue for our islands. It also calls on the State to consider the taxation of the unhealthy food options. The experts said a regular repetition of the study was needed to determine trends of childhood overweight and obesity in Malta and monitor the effect of any prevention and intervention programmes being implemented. They also called for further research into socio-economic determinants 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 JANUARY 2020 NEWS On average, persons living in the north were also found to live in larger residences, have better literacy levels, have a higher chance of owning their home – rather than renting – and have lower levels of unemployment when compared to the South Health inequalities: obesity significantly higher in south Percentage of obese children in primary and secondary schools (by region) Southern Harbour: Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua, Zabbar, Fgura, Floriana, Kalkara, Luqa, Marsa, Paola, St Lucija, Tarxien, Xghajra Northern Harbour: Qormi, Birkirkara, Gzira, Hamrun, Msida, Pembroke, Pieta, St Julian's, San Gwann, St Venera, Sliema, Swieqi, Ta' Xbiex South Eastern: Zejtun, Birzebbuga, Gudja, Ghaxaq, Kirkop, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Mqabba, Qrendi, Safi, Zurrieq Western: Mdina, Zebbug, Siggiewi, Attard, Balzan, Dingli, Iklin, Lija, Rabat, Mtarfa Northern: Gharghur, Mellieha, Mgarr, Mosta, Naxxar, St Paul's Bay Gozo: Gozo and Comino Gozo 32.1% of secondary school boys are obese West 28.8% of secondary school boys are obese A regular repetition of the study was needed to determine trends of childhood overweight and obesity in Malta and monitor the effect of any prevention and intervention programmes being implemented