Recently, obesity amongst children has become an issue for many parents in Albania.

Nutritionist Diola Dosti said that she is seeing more and more children in her clientele.

“I’m seeing at least 10 children each month,” – she said.

Statistics published by the Ministry of Health show that 16% of children up to 5 years old are overweight.

“The parameters of a 12-year-old child’s liver – if he’s obese – are like those of a 50-year-old alcoholic,” – she said.

Along with health issues, obesity is often accompanied by social problems like bullying.

According to the ministry of health, it’s usually boys ages 7 to 10 years old, who have a higher tendency of being overweight or obese.

In order to fight this growing statistic, the education ministry has decided to impose longer gym classes, while stopping the sale of unhealthy foods in school cafeterias.