Average European - is overweight

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Average European - is overweight

15 Nov 2006

The Maltese and the Greeks are the heavyweights of Europe, Hungary ranged on the 5th place figures from the European Commission reveal.

The Italians and French the most trim, while the average Briton - like the average European - is slightly over the ideal weight. Obesity, which is linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, is a growing problem across much of the developed world. The Commission plans to launch a strategy to tackle obesity next year. Obesity is measured by calculating body mass index (BMI). A BMI of between 18.5 and 25 is considered healthy, between 25 and 30 overweight and above 30 obese. The latest figures show that the average citizen in 20 EU countries, including the UK - where the average BMI is 25.4 - is overweight. The average person in the other five, including Italy and France, is officially healthy."