TEHRAN- Iranian Health Minister Hassan Qazizadeh Hashemi warned on Friday that half of Iranians are overweight, IRNA reported.

Qazizadeh Hashemi, who was making the remarks during a conference on Sport for All in Khorshid Park in the city of Mashahd, also said that five millions of Iranians suffer from diabetes.

He noted that low engagement in physical activities has given rise to diseases such as high blood pressure in the Iranian society.

“More than 50 percent of deaths in Iran are caused by strokes out of which around 35 percent happen due to cardiac arrest and 15 percent due to brain stroke,” Qazizadeh Hashemi said.

“Salt consumption in Iran is three to four times more than in neighboring countries; this issue will increase strokes in the country. People play a key role in the development of the countries, if they are not healthy, then, the development won’t be achieved,” he added.

The health minister expressed concern that youngsters are overeating fast foods, saying that people must be cautious and choose the proper food.

He noted that about 36 years ago, the average life expectancy in the country was about 55 years, but it has risen to 73 now. He added the average life expectancy without disability is now 62 year.

PT/OSN