Obesity: China's growing concern

Over 30 percent of China’s adult population is overweight, with nearly 13 percent considered obese. This alarming report from the General Administration of Sport could signal the start of a health crisis in the country. Our reporter Su Yuting went to a fitness camp in Beijing to see what’s being done to battle the bulge.

Feeling the burn.

This is one of many camps that have sprung up across China to help people lose weight.

Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer a range of illnesses, including heart attacks and high blood pressure. And they are already putting pressure on the country's healthcare system.

After an intense round of training, Zhang Kunming's weight has reduced to 135 kilograms. That’s still 60 kilograms above what someone of his height should weigh. His expanding waistline has given him headaches for a long time.

"I am very lazy, eat a lot of fast food, and always sleep late at night and don’t exercise much. I have been gaining weight over the past 7 years. My irregular work and rest patterns have caused me lots of health problems, such as diabetes and fatty liver. " Zhang Kunming, Fitness Trainee said.

Many countries face similar problems, but the obesity rate in China has recently seen an explosion.

A recent survey conducted by the General Administration of Sport shows that 34.4 percent of Chinese between 20 and 69 are overweight. It also found that 11 percent of people aged 20 to 39 are obese, an increase of 2 percentage points since the last survey in 2010.

"Obesity is a growing concern in China. Many are struggling to lose weight and resorting to all sorts of methods. Experts are worried that the increasing number of overweight people will affect the nation’s overall health. "

"As kind of experts, I am really concerned about this kind of situation, because long-term obesity will be very harmful for our health. Most all the people knows about it, but not all the people can take this kind of live-style. Just like balancing nutrition we intake into our body, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, not so many refined food, no junk food at all. " Melanie Liu, Nutrition Advisor, Body Sports said.

Treating obesity is not like curing a disease. It requires changing people’s entire attitude toward life.

But with a strong will and continued exercise, people hope China’s obesity problem will work itself out.