What is behind obesity in China
from the perspective of diet composition
Obesity prevalence has increased substantially in China.
WHY?
"Waistline grows with incomes."
"Diets high in protein and fat have taken hold."
(Woetzel, 2019)
"Economic growth and rapid nutrition transition"
"From balanced diets to ultra-processed junk food"
(Hemmingsson, 2021)
Kilocalories intake is growing quickly, making it one of the main reasons for obesity
Cereals remain the major source of energy. Besides, there is an increasing diversity in food groups, adding to the energy intake.
Why do the Chinese like cereals so much?
Rice and noodles have been staple foods of the Chinese. However, they are foods with high carbs and calories.
China has a long history of growing and consuming cereals and it has been one of the largest agricultural countries and ranks first in the production of cereals. Its monsoon climate and ample land make it easier for the Chinese to grow cereals.
How does food diversification lead to more calories?
It is the economic development that brings the progressing productivity as well as the booming market, which leads to an increase in the food supply. At the same time, people’s income level improves and they are able to pursue more diversified foods unlimitedly.
However, it doesn't mean that their diets are more balanced.
A balanced diet? NO!
(Calvo, 2012)
Junk food with high calories
(MALDONADO, 2020)
Snacks with little nutrition
(Chinese junk food on display, 2017)
Chinese traditional food with high oil and fat
(AliExpress, 2022)
Chinese are suggested to adjust their diets to control obesity
Not only for health but also for the economy and the environment.
Obesity costs more than $93 billion annually to the country, which accounted for 1.1% of GDP. The growing agricultural activities bring a burden to the environment (Woetzel, 2019).
Recommended daily servings for a 2000-calorie diet
- Grains: 6-8
- Vegetables: 4-5
- Fruits: 4-5
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products: 2-3
- Meats, poultry, and fish: 6 or less
- Fats and oils: 2-3
References:
- AliExpress. (2022). [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32908378621.html
- Calvo, T. (2012). Your Healthy Chinese Food Cheat Sheet [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/meal-ideas/5-low-calorie-chinese-dishes-and-5-skip
- Chinese junk food on display. (2017). [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.dreamstime.com/chinese-junk-food-display-den-haag-december-packs-chips-supermarket-netherlands-image107378980
- DASH eating plan. (2021). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/dash-eating-plan
- Guo, C., Wang, H., Feng, G., Li, J., Su, C., Zhang, J., Wang, Z., Du, W., & Zhang, B. (2019). Spatiotemporal predictions of obesity prevalence in Chinese children and adolescents: based on analyses of obesogenic environmental variability and Bayesian model. International Journal of Obesity, 43(7), 1380-1390.
- Hemmingsson, E. (2021). The unparalleled rise of obesity in China: a call to action. International Journal of Obesity, 45(5), 921-922.
- Ho, M. (2022). The 15 Most Popular Chinese Dishes, Tasty Chinese Food [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/eight-chinese-dishes.htm
- How to maintain a balanced diet. (2022). [Image]. Retrieved from https://1ml.co.in/blog/how-to-maintain-a-balanced-diet/
- Kitchen, L. (2019). Know your noodle: The ultimate guide to Asian noodles [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2016/07/28/know-your-noodle-ultimate-guide-asian-noodles
- Lim, G. (2020). Nutrition in China: Diet quality in Chinese population improving, suggest new index [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2020/05/11/Nutrition-in-China-Diet-quality-in-Chinese-population-improving-suggest-new-index
- MALDONADO, J. (2020). 7 Scary Side Effects of Eating Junk Food Every Day [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.eatthis.com/junk-food-side-effects/
- Shrestha, P. (2019). New MoU inked for green agriculture in China [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.energylivenews.com/2019/05/01/new-mou-inked-for-green-agriculture-in-china/
- Snyder, S. (2019). Chinese Steamed Rice [Image]. Retrieved from https://dinnerthendessert.com/chinese-steamed-rice/
- TrimDownClub. (2016). The Chinese Diet: Healthier Than You Think [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.trimdownclub.com/the-chinese-diet-healthier-than-you-think/
- Woetzel, J. (2019). Retrieved 27 February 2022, from https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/sustainability-blog/chinas-changing-eating-habits-weigh-on-countrys-future
Built with Shorthand