Socialist Party MPs in the Autonomous Region of Madeira are calling for stronger government action to promote healthy eating and for more nutritionists in the public health system, schools and social support institutions.
The party cites a 2024–2025 study finding that 63.4% of adults aged 18 to 65 were overweight and 27.6% were obese. Among children aged 5 to 14, the 2025 National Health Survey found 40.3% overweight or obese, with obesity at 19.5%, compared with 12.9% nationally.
MP Isabel Garcês urged a prevention policy with early intervention and closer coordination between health services, schools and communities. The party also points to a resolution recommending free universal school meals for nursery, pre-school and first-cycle pupils, while MP Marta Freitas called for an assessment of how nutritionists are distributed across sectors.