1 in 3 children and adolescents is overweight or obese! 3 tips for healthy body positions

Is being fat as a child really not considered fat? Studies have shown that more than half of obese children will remain obese when they grow up, and 70% of obese teenagers will become obese adults, increasing their risk of non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) pointed out that in 2022, more than 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 worldwide were overweight or obese, which has become one of the most important health issues that need to be addressed. The National Health Administration reminds parents, children and teenagers that in the face of the upcoming summer vacation, don't forget to maintain a good lifestyle, consume more natural and original foods, drink less sugary drinks, exercise regularly and reduce sitting, etc., so as to be full of energy and keep your body healthy.

Multi-faceted intervention to create a healthy body position from an early age

Wu Zhaojun, director of the National Health Administration, said that bad lifestyle habits are one of the causes of overweight and obesity. According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted by the National Health Administration from 2017 to 2019, the overweight and obesity rates among children and adolescents aged 7-12, 13-15, and 16-18 were 26.7%, 30.6%, and 28.9%, respectively. On average, one in every three children and adolescents is overweight or obese. The National Health Service refers to the WHO's "Ending Childhood Obesity" report and provides services such as prenatal examinations and health education manuals from the time the mother becomes pregnant. It also combines cross-departmental resources such as kindergartens and schools to promote dietary nutrition and physical activity. At the same time, based on evidence-based experience, it has formulated "National Physical Activity Guidelines" and "Evidence-Based Guidelines for Obesity Prevention and Control" to allow professionals to participate in helping promote healthy body positions and build a friendly environment. Children and adolescents are important assets for the future development of the country. For the recommended body mass index (BMI) values ​​for children and adolescents, please refer to the website .

Use these 3 tips to stay healthy during the summer vacation

Studies have shown that students' lifestyles will change during the summer vacation, including an increase of about 5% in daily sedentary time, an increase of about 6% in screen time of more than 2 hours, a decrease of 0.6 servings and 1.1 servings in vegetable and fruit intake respectively, an increase of about 10 grams in sugar intake, and an upward trend in BMI. How to cultivate and maintain a good lifestyle, build a healthy body, and spend a relaxing and happy summer vacation, make good use of the following 3 tips:

"Boiled water" is the best source of water. You can add a little lemon slices or other fruits, or add tea leaves to make cold tea, so that boiled water is not just boiled water, but can also increase your water intake.

Tip 1: Natural and delicious, less processed original material:

Make good use of the six tips of "My Plate": a glass of milk every morning and evening, a fist-sized piece of fruit at each meal, a little more vegetables than fruit, the same amount of rice and vegetables, a palmful of beans, fish, eggs and meat, and a teaspoon of nuts and seeds. Choose more natural, original, and less processed ingredients, such as whole grains and unrefined grains, pumpkin, dark green fruits and vegetables, etc.

Tip 2: Drink more water, reduce sugar and reduce burden:

In the hot summer, everyone likes to drink a glass of cold sugary drink. However, the more sugary drinks you drink, the greater the burden on your body. "Boiled water" is the best source of water. You can add a little lemon slices or other fruits, or add tea leaves to make cold tea, so that boiled water is not just boiled water, but can also increase your water intake.

Tip 3: Enjoy activities and reduce sitting:

WHO recommends that children and adolescents should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day5, reduce sedentary time and reduce screen time to less than 2 hours a day. When you have time, you may want to meet up with your family and friends to play basketball, go for a brisk walk or ride a bike in the park. When you are at home, you can watch the home exercise videos produced by the National Health Service and have fun exercising anytime!