MOSCOW, May 4. /TASS/. The number of people in Russia diagnosed with obesity had surged by nearly 50% during a five-year period, the press service of the Russian Health Ministry informed TASS on Friday.

"The number had increased 45.4% from 856.5 to 1245.6 per 100,000 people during a five-year stretch (from 2011 to 2016)," the press service said.

At the same time, the number of people working to get physically fit or going in for sports regularly reached 34.2% in 2016.

The Health Ministry also noted that the subject of a healthy diet among the population continues to be a high-priority issue in promoting a healthy lifestyle. In particular, recommendations concerning food consumption rates meeting modern healthy nutrition requirements were approved in 2016 in order to prevent non-communicable diseases and bolster the health of both children and adults.

Besides, the ministry came up with a draft strategy on shaping a national initiative to promote healthy lifestyles until 2025.