Nearly half the population in Iran is overweight with obesity becoming a growing problem. Health Minister Hassan Hashemi 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,” ISNA reported. Saying 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.
