Although Maltese children were still the most obese among more than 40 countries taking part in a World Health Organisation report, the obesity rate in 11-year-olds has gone down from 33.5 per cent in 2010 to 28 per cent.

The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC), published today, can be read here. It is based on a survey carried out in schools every four years. The information being published today was gathered in 2014.

In a statement on the report, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne said there were improvements in certain sectors such as obesity and the consumption of fruit and physical activity.

In 2010, 33.5 per cent of 11-year-olds, 33 per cent of 13-year-olds and 25.5 per cent of 15-year-olds felt obese. In the current study, the rates went down to 28, 27 and 27 per cent respectively.

More children of all ages were having breakfast and girls were eating more fruit.

Maltese children however still consumed the most soft-drinks in spite of a drop.