Lack of exercise, healthy foods increase obesity rate in country

Colombo, July 30 (Daily Mirror) - Due to a lack of exercise and healthy foods, the rates of overweight and obesity have rapidly increased, among both women and men in the country, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala said.

Speaking at a medical camp organised at Wijeya Newspapers Limited this morning, he said that about 48 per cent of women in the country are overweight, and at least 33.3 per cent of men are heavier than their healthy weight.

"Exercise levels are deficient while consuming sugar, fat and salt is high. In addition, the intake of essential vegetables and fruits has decreased," he said.

Most people in society are unaware of their diseases. A large number of people suffer from high blood pressure, with 42% of the country's elderly population affected by it, he said.