In 9 EU countries, over a third of eleven-year-old boys are overweight or obese, according to the European Commission's joint research center.

Most problems with excess weight - in young Greeks (39%), in second place boys in Malta (38%). In Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Italy and Spain, between 31% and 35% of boys weigh more than normal.

Boys with the most healthy weight live in Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands: there only 13% - 15% suffer from excess weight or obesity. Researchers note that among girls the picture is similar.

Children with excess weight often can not get rid of this problem and in adulthood.

Meanwhile, the extra pounds are bad for health and can cause many diseases, especially type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Since 2014, the EU has a strategy to combat obesity in children, but it is premature to assess its effectiveness, experts say.. As part of this strategy, school canteens use healthier ingredients and replace buns with fresh vegetables and fruits. Among other measures - restrictions on the sale and advertising of food and beverages with "empty" calories in schools.