Tehran, April 24, IRNA � Nearly half the population in Iran is overweight with obesity becoming a growing problem.




Health Minister Hassan Hashemi speaking on the occasion of the National Health Week (April 21-27) blamed consumption of �unhealthy� and ��calorie rich�� foods for the epidemic.

He also warned about the increasing problem of heart disease and diabetes. Hashemi called on the ministry of education �to develop right eating habits among children from an early age.� Noting that 50% of Iranians grapple with heart disease and stroke, he hoped that the programs marking the week would be effective in raising awareness on healthy lifestyle.


By IRNA