One quarter of Chinese overweight
Updated
![Scientists have warned China's changing diet could lead to Western-world rates of obesity and poor diet related health problems. [Reuters]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/china_restaurant_rtr_210208.jpg "Scientists have warned China's changing diet could lead to Western-world rates of obesity and poor diet related health problems. [Reuters]")
Scientists have warned China's changing diet could lead to Western-world rates of obesity and poor diet related health problems. [Reuters]
A study warns declining physical activity and a shift towards a 'Western' diet are driving up obesity rates in China.
The Health Affairs journal reports more than 25 per cent of Chinese adults are now considered overweight or obese.
It says the figure is likely to double by 2028 unless the Chinese government takes action.
The study's author, Professor Barry Popkin from the University of North Carolina says what's happening in China is an indicator of what is going to hit the rest of the developing world if no action is taken.
In China, deaths from diseases linked to poor diet, including coronary heart disease and cancer, have increased by 14 per cent since 1985 in urban areas and by 11 per cent in the rural areas.
