PRIME MINISTER ROBERT ABELA ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE SCHOOL BMI SCREENING PROGRAMME TO ADDRESS CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Speaking in Santa Venera, Prime Minister Robert Abela outlined a series of new initiatives aimed at addressing the growing challenge of childhood obesity while promoting healthier and more active lifestyles among young people.

The Prime Minister announced the launch of a nationwide Body Mass Index (BMI) screening programme in schools. This initiative is designed to identify children who may be at risk of obesity from an early stage. Through this proactive approach, authorities will be able to detect cases of excessive weight gain early and intervene accordingly.

Children identified as being at risk will be referred to professional dietitians. Together with their parents, tailored weight management programmes will be developed, incorporating both nutritional guidance and structured physical activity plans. The initiative aims to foster healthier habits within families while providing the necessary support to address the issue effectively.

In addition to health-focused measures, the government is also introducing financial incentives to encourage greater participation in extracurricular activities. The tax refund available to parents for expenses related to sports, artistic, and cultural activities will be increased by an additional €100, bringing the total annual refund up to €400. This measure is intended to make such activities more affordable and accessible, thereby encouraging more children to engage in them after school hours.

Furthermore, the scope of the tax refund scheme will be expanded. It will now also cover children attending football academies, as well as those participating in emerging disciplines such as hybrid training, including obstacle course racing (OCR). This extension reflects the government’s commitment to supporting a broader range of physical activities that appeal to diverse interests among young people.

These measures form part of a wider strategy to improve children’s health outcomes, promote active lifestyles, and support families in providing well-rounded development opportunities for their children.

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