In Chinese culture, there is a historical preference for children to be chubby as a symbol of being well cared for, stemming from a background of famine and poverty. This cultural norm, however, is contributing to a growing obesity crisis in China, as the rate of overweight and obese children has quadrupled since 2000 and is on track to surpass 60% by 2030, according to UNICEF and Peking University. This trend is alarming, as overweight children are more likely to become obese adults, putting them at higher risk for various health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
The rise in obesity in China is outpacing that of many other nations, including wealthy countries like the United States. Professor Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health, warns that China's economic development is a significant factor contributing to this "looming obesity crisis." With fewer people engaged in physical labor due to shifts in the economy, coupled with increased consumption of meat, refined grains, and processed foods, the population is facing a concerning trend towards obesity. This shift is also influenced by a rise in desk-bound jobs, higher incomes, and a culture of convenience that prioritizes fast food consumption and food delivery services.
With a significant portion of Chinese adults already overweight, the country faces the challenge of addressing increased health costs associated with obesity-related illnesses. The prevalence of overweight or obese individuals in China surpasses that of other Asian nations, and the country uses slightly stricter BMI classifications than places like Australia. Despite the cultural preference for chubby children, experts like Lisa Chen stress the urgent need for China to improve its food and exercise culture. Chen points out that unhealthy eating habits, such as excessive use of oil and condiments in family-run restaurants and the proliferation of fast food options, are major contributors to the obesity crisis. The country's long work hours and stress eating habits further exacerbate the issue, with post-COVID economic slowdowns leading some to adopt cheap, unhealthy diets as a coping mechanism.