TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has the highest childhood obesity rate in Asia, with one in four elementary students overweight, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA, 國健署) said on Tuesday (Sept. 3).
As children transition to junior high, the rate surpasses 30%. Research also indicated a 70% likelihood that obese children will remain overweight into adulthood.
The latest data shows a slight decrease in obesity rates, however. In the 111th academic year, 26.4% of elementary students were overweight or obese, down from 27.1% in the 110th academic year. Junior high students saw a decrease to 30.2% from 31.2% in the same period.
HPA researcher Mai Yang-jiun (麥揚竣) noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies obesity as a chronic disease. The WHO's 'Ending Childhood Obesity' report has guided Taiwan's comprehensive strategies, from prenatal care to promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management among school-aged children, he noted.
Hsu Hui-yu (許惠玉), director of the Food Nutrition Center at the John Tung Foundation, suggested that the Ministry of Education should strictly control school lunches to avoid overly processed foods.
Liu Shih-yao (劉士嶢), a pediatric endocrinologist at National Taiwan University Hospital (台大醫院), also warned parents against the misconception that gaining weight is necessary for growth.
