The Ministry of Education of China has issued new guidelines to prioritize physical education in primary and secondary schools to tackle obesity in China. According to the official Xinhua news agency, these schools will have to ensure that physical education teachers are given the same status and respect as teachers of other subjects such as Chinese, mathematics and English.
Along with this, special efforts have also been recommended to develop major sports like football, basketball and volleyball. This step has been taken to promote sports and physical activities among children.
Increasing Rates Of Childhood Obesity in China
Childhood obesity has become a serious problem globally today, and China is not untouched by it. In view of the rapidly increasing obesity problem in China, the government has decided to give priority to physical education in schools. The move is aimed at helping children adopt a healthy lifestyle and protect them from the ill effects of obesity.
Rising obesity figures in China
The problem of obesity is increasing rapidly in China. According to a study, obesity rates among children and adolescents in China have doubled in the last decade.
Childhood obesity in China post COVID-19
Post COVID-19, China is seeing a sharp rise in obesity among youth. This happened majorly due to a decrease in physical activity during COVID-19 and a growing trend of ordering junk food online.
Doctors believe that obesity in China will increase further in the coming 10-12 years. The main reason for this will be the slowing economy and the structural changes associated with it, which will promote poor eating habits and a decrease in physical activity.
The figures of childhood obesity in China:
- Obesity in boys: The percentage of obese boys in China was only 1.3% in 1990, which increased to 15.2% in 2022.
- Obesity in girls: This figure was 0.6% in 1990, which increased to 7.7% in 2022.
Comparison with other countries:
- The percentage of obese boys in the US is 22%.
- The figure is 6% in Japan, 12% in the UK and Canada, and 4% in India.
These facts show how important the new measures being taken by China to promote physical education and fitness are.
China’s move: Priority to physical education
The Chinese government plans to make physical education compulsory in schools to address the problem of child obesity.
Importance of physical education:
- Encourage children towards sports and physical activities.
- Control obesity and other health problems through physical exercise.
New policies:
- Increasing physical education hours in schools.
- Children should be made to do 1 hour of exercise every day.
Role of teachers and parents:
- Teachers have been given the responsibility of organizing sports activities for children.
- Parents are being encouraged to pay attention to children’s diet and screen time.
Increasing risk of childhood obesity
As per WHO (World health organization) 2.5 billion adults (18 years and above) were overweighted, out of which 850 mn were obese. Comparing to 1990; this number increased significantly by 25%. The problem has been more prevalent at the regional level, with rates in Southeast Asia and Africa at 31%, while in the Americas it reached 67%. Source: WHO
In addition, approximately 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight in 2022, almost half of whom lived in Asia. 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight or obese, rising from 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022. The problem is now also growing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, posing new challenges for public health.
Childhood obesity is not just a problem of physical beauty; it is the root of many serious health problems.
- Effects on health: Obesity increases the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease in children.
- Psychological effects: Obesity affects children’s self-confidence and they may face mental stress, depression and social isolation.
- Long-term consequences: Children who are obese in childhood are at higher risk of obesity-related problems when they become adults.
Ways to prevent obesity
Here are few simple steps to prevent childhood obesity, which anyone can follow.
Healthy eating:
- Feed children homemade nutritious food.
- Stay away from junk food and sugary beverages.
Physical activities:
- Encourage children to participate in sports daily.
- Limit technology time.
Social awareness:
- Run obesity awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
China’s goal and future path
This step of China is a commendable effort towards making children adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- Improving health: Promoting physical education will not only improve the physical health of children but will also strengthen their mental state.
- New standards: If this step is successful, it can become a model for other countries.
Conclusion
Childhood obesity is not just a country’s problem, but it is a global challenge. China’s decision to prioritise physical education in schools is a positive initiative that will help secure children’s health and future. This step sets an important example for raising awareness and promoting a healthy lifestyle among children.
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