Alarming figures showing one in three children are overweight will lead to Government encouraging healthier lifestyles, according to the Throne Speech.

A number of surveys this summer have highlighted Bermuda's growing obesity epidemic, with reports suggesting the Island is the fourth fattest country in the world.

Government reiterated its proposal to consider increasing compulsory exercise at school to reduce obesity and related illnesses. "Reports indicate that obesity and Type Two diabetes is prevalent in our society," stated the Throne Speech.

"The Government will encourage healthier lifestyles for our children and will examine the allocation of time in the physical education curriculum to incorporate more wellness and physical activities.

"Healthy lifestyles must extend beyond the school system and the entire family must embrace the concept."

Government will develop fitness trails — with "fitness stations" in which people can do aerobic exercises — on all properties operated by the Department of Youth and Sports.

Latest figures show up to 9,000 Islanders have been diagnosed with diabetes, with the vast majority of these suffering Type Two diabetes, which is linked to lifestyle.

It represents about 13 percent of the population, about double the rate of the US.

Further worrying statistics were unveiled when the Health Survey of Adults and Children in Bermuda, the Island's first effort to assess the health of children from birth, showed one in three children aged five to ten is overweight or obese.

Another key issue in the Throne Speech was mental health, particularly the practice of criminalising the mentally ill. Alternative treatments are now under consideration, with a forensic unit to be established for mentally ill inmates for whom incarceration is unavoidable.

"Warehousing them in our jails is inhumane and does not solve the underlying causes of the problem," stated the Throne Speech. "The Government will therefore introduce meaningful alternatives to criminal sanctions for those with mental health challenges and will implement a Mental Health Treatment Court Programme designed to provide systematic treatment alternatives for persons who are challenged with mental health issues."

Government also says it has reconsidered its approach to substance abuse, which it now regards as a "public health challenge".

A mandatory drug treatment programme for imprisoned addicts will be set up, while Government will also establish an insurance scheme for drug treatment in the public and private sectors.