Lack of exercise, healthy food increases obesity rate in country

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

Due to a lack of exercise and healthy food, the rate of obesity has rapidly increased, among both women and men in the country, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala said.  

Speaking at a medical camp organized at Wijeya Newspapers Limited yesterday, 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 recommended weight.   

“Exercise levels are low 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, affecting 42% of the country’s elderly population, he said.