Snacks with more than five grams of fat will be trimmed from Government vending machines by April 15, according to a spokesperson.

The Cabinet Office and Ministry of Health announced the initiative yesterday in light of the severe problems associated with obesity in Bermuda.

Now foods or beverages with more than five grams of total fat, one gram of saturated fat, zero transfat, 200mg of sodium, and/or seven grams of sugar, will be banned from the vending machines.

The only items to sneak past these guidelines will be nuts, fruit and 100 percent fruit juices, because these foods with their natural fat and sugar content are nutritious.

Changing what is offered, however, will not limit a person's choice, according to the Ministry as people could still visit local stores for other items.

The move was something the Ministry of Health and the Cabinet needed to do as the level of obesity in Bermuda continues to rise, according to Health Minister Nelson Bascome.

Being overweight or obese causes major health risks, he said: "The associated consequences can range from increased risk of premature death, to serious chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and certain forms of cancer.

"These are among Bermuda's biggest killers and they come with a terrible cost to the health system and to families."

"It is widely acknowledged that the rate of obesity in children is making this generation the first to be at risk of a lower life expectancy than their parents.

"The extent of the problem has made this a major public health challenge for Bermuda, and we are addressing it as a matter of urgency."

The vendors have all been contacted and are in agreement with the goal, according to Major Kenneth Dill, head of the Civil Service.

He said: "To support the Healthy Weight Action Plan of the National Health Promotion Strategy, Well Bermuda, the Government is introducing a vending machine policy to make the content of vending machines on our premises healthier."

Mr. Bascome concluded: "We are very proud to be at the cutting edge as a country in battling obesity and its associated problems, and are confident that the public will support us in helping them to make the healthy choice, the easier choice."