A Growing Problem in China: Childhood Obesity
It’s an oft-trumpeted problem in the U.S., the growing number of children who are now considered obese. But I was shocked to read that this is an issue being battled in China, where healthy diets and lean bodies are often cited. The numbers according to the Chinese National Task Force on Childhood Obesity: 1 in 5 children under 7 yrs. old are overweight, and of those, 7% are obese.
According to the Task Force, the numbers above is higher than those found in European countries. What happened? It seems that culprit is an increasing consumption of high-fat, high-sugar foods, and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Chinese families are enjoying growing prosperity, and putting more food on the table, gaining more access to computer use and video games, and less of a demand in terms of physical labor. There is also an increasing proliferation of fast foods available.
Interestingly enough, Chinese parents are proud of their big kids, often taken as proof of the family’s prosperity.
Source: USA Today , BabyCenter.
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Interestingly, I think Chinese parents have always been proud of “larger” children as it is a sign that they have fed and taken care of them well, as well as having the money to do so. I remember growing up in the US as an Asian American and having my Aunties greet my parents with “She’s gained weight!” Translation: “You’ve done well to feed them and keep them healthy!” For me, though, I hadn’t gained weight and realized that my Aunties were just being nice and polite.
But yes, obesity of all ages seems to be growing worldwide. As an acupuncturist, I often get asked about treating weight loss, childhood obesity, and other unexpected weight gain with acupuncture and herbs. While it can help the body’s metabolism and underlying imbalances, it is obviously only part of the whole picture of diet, exercise and mental attitude! I agree with you – technology is taking people away from exercise and cultures are evolving towards the seeming convenience of fast food.
Thanks for your post on this trend towards obesity.
Obesity and weight losss last blog post..Centennial