MADRID, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish region of Andalusia has become the first in the country to pass a law which effectively declares war on the ever increasingly problem of obesity.

The region has the second highest levels of obesity in the country, with 16.6 of adults and almost one in four minors classified as obese.

The law, which was approved by the regional government on Monday, aims to tackle "a problem, which is a priority for public health" as well as to reduce health service costs in the medium to long term.

Among the package of measures approved by the regional government is one which requires that from now on, bars and restaurants will have to offer drinking water free of charge to anyone who requests it.

Free drinking water will also be placed next to vending machines selling high-calorie soft drinks in public spaces.

Other parts of the law oblige restaurants and bars to offer clients the option of different portion sizes, while supermarkets will be obliged to offer fresh produce in a range of packaging sizes.

The law also asks schools to program five hours of sport a week into the curriculum, and launch initiatives to distribute fresh fruit and vegetables. School shops and cafeterias will be banned from selling drinks and snacks which contain over 200 calories.

Publicity of products with exceptionally high calorific values will also be limited by the law.