Health authorities sound alarm on childhood obesity

The incidence of obesity among Shanghai students is 15.2 percent. Specifically, there is one obese minor among every five male students and every 10 female students, the Shanghai Health Commission said on Wednesday, which is National Student Nutrition Day.

Obesity can seriously impact the physical and psychological health of young people, and enhance the risk of chronic disease in adulthood.

Proper nutrition, healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and reduction of inactivity are all important for healthy growth and prevention of obesity, said the commission, which is calling for greater awareness of obesity in schools, homes and the government.

Local health and education authorities have teamed up to offer guidance on student lunches, food safety and physical education for young people.