Problems associated with overweight people cost the German government and industry billions. Now the government is launching an action plan to cut obesity rates sharply by 2020.

A recent study found that German soldiers based in Afghanistan are overweight and therefore unfit to fight a war. Beer consumption was cited as the main reason for the problem.

The same is true of young Germans in general, according to a new report to be published on Wednesday. It says some industries face a shortage of qualified trainees because many young people are too fat to begin their career.

The study also shows that Germany has the most overweight population in all of Europe.

The Berlin government has decided the time has come to do something about it.

The plan, called "Fit instead of Fat", includes improving the quality of foods in schools and hospitals, and boosting exercise levels in children.

Health problems related to obesity are already estimated to cost Germany more than $90 million a year.

The package is being presented to cabinet meeting on Wednesday by health minister Ulla Schmidt and consumer affairs minister Horst Seehofer (photo).

Germany is a nation that prides itself on its love of sport and outdoor activities.

So many Germans were shocked when figures compiled by the International Association for the Study of Obesity found more than 75% of men in the country, and 59% of women were classified as overweight.

Germany has a strong beer-drinking culture and some experts have pointed to a clear link between beer consumption and obesity.

Schmidt warned that the government had to act now to minimize the risk of an huge increase in obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

She expressed particular concern about the number of children who were overweight due to poor diet and lack of exercise.