The World Obesity Federation has revealed that China is on track to have the greatest number of overweight children by 2025. Doctors say while unhealthy diets remain the main cause, a lack of awareness from parents is another important reason for the steady rise in numbers.
A recent study shows there has never been this kind of spike in childhood obesity cases, with one in six boys, and one in 11 girls now obese. The trend poses huge health risks for the country's children.
The study also predicts that by 2025, China will have nearly 50 million obese children, far more than the United States and India combined, which are both predicted to have around 16 or 17 million.
"Many children think it's fashionable to eat fast food like McDonalds, and many are eating them every day. Some drink a lot of beverages that contain a lot of sugar, taking them as water," said Dr. Wang Kexin, Beijng Liujiayao Hospital.
"If we don't raise awareness among parents on the seriousness of the problem, this situation will only become worse as the economy continues to grow."
