Closing the energy gap to prevent weight gain in China

Abstract

from 1989 to 2000, the average weight of this population increased from 55.4 kg to 59.1 kg. The medium increasing rate was 0.33 kg year(-1). During this time, the prevalence of overweight in the population increased dramatically from 9.0% to 23.2%. By assuming that each kilogram of body weight gained represents 7700 kcal, the estimated medium energy accumulation in the sample was 7.0 kcal day(-1) and the 90th percentile was 22.5 kcal d(-1). Further, assuming that the energy derived from mixed composition diets is stored with an average efficiency of 50%, the estimated energy gap for the population was 45 kcal day(-1). This is the degree of positive energy balance that is causing weight gain in 90% of the population. The estimate suggests that the behaviour change needed to close the energy gap is small and achievable without dramatically altering current lifestyle in China. For example, reducing energy intake by just 2-3% less each day or walking an extra 10-15 minutes each day could offset weight gain in roughly 90% of the population in China. By providing an estimate of the energy gap it can be predicted that weight gain in most of the population of China could be prevented with small lifestyle changes. It is critical that these lifestyle changes be implemented in order to prevent acceleration of the obesity epidemic in China.

Motorized Transportation, Social Status, and Adiposity

“…4,17,35 Assuming that the sustained development affects all Chinese inhabitants, a small increase in active transportation may have the potential to prevent obesity in this population. 4,36,37 An active lifestyle should be promoted for all, combined by increased active transportation patterns and leisure-time physical activity, to achieve the best health benefıts.…”

Chinese college students' health-promotion practices: a preliminary study

“…These changes are having an impact on the health status of many Chinese citizens, which includes undesirable health consequences (Wang 2009;Zhai et al 2008). Many threats to health result from unhealthy lifestyles (Ng, Norton, and Popkin 2009;Zhai et al 2009).…”

Motorized Transportation, Social Status, and Adiposity

“…4,17,35 Assuming that the sustained development affects all Chinese inhabitants, a small increase in active transport may have the potential to prevent obesity in this population. 4,36,37 An active lifestyle should be promoted for all, combined by increased active transportation patterns and leisure time physical activity, to achieve the best health benefits.…”