China grows obese amid changing diet
18-Jun-15, Xinhua
China's breakneck economic growth has allowed people to enjoy fuller diets, but rich ingredients have led to an increase of obese Chinese.
A 2013 survey found there were 62 million overweight Chinese, second only to the United States. It is not junk food such as fries and hamburgers that is to blame for the nation's bulk, but rather oil- and salt-heavy food such as hotpot and grilled meats.
%20China%20Daily%20Asia.jpg "China grows obese amid changing diet (c) China Daily Asia")
Image: China Daily Asia
Despite links to cardiovascular disease, high intake of salt and oil is a widespread problem in China. According to government figures, the daily intake of salt per person in south China is 15 to 18 grams in the north. Even in Guangdong, which is known for its bland food, average salt intake is 9.1 grams per day, 82 percent higher than the recommended amount by the World Health Organization.
"Such improper dietary patterns are making the Chinese unhealthy. Something must be done," said Wang Yanping from China Medicinal Biotech Association.