China launches national campaign to combat overweight

The State Health Committee, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Civil Administration of China have announced the launch of a three-year campaign to control the population's weight. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to a document compiled jointly by 16 departments and organisations on the website of the State Health Affairs Committee, measures are planned to raise citizens' awareness of weight control methods starting this year.

It is noted that over the next three years, it is necessary to improve the situation related to overweight in some population groups. The authorities intend to encourage employers who will provide physical exercise facilities for employees.

As for educational institutions, the document instructs their management to build canteens and restaurants with healthy food on campuses, avoiding the sale of products high in salt, sugar and fat. It also recommends the introduction of at least one hour of daily physical activity for students.

It emphasises the importance of using traditional Chinese medicine in the campaign. The authorities recommend monitoring the weight of the population, especially among pregnant women, babies, children and the elderly, as well as certain professions.

Excess weight is believed to be a major factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers. The document calls for records to be kept of underweight people as well.

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