Beating the Beijing 15

Many Americans are familiar with the curse of the "Freshman 15", after the excesses of college life deposit 15 additional pounds (6.8kg) on their waistlines during their first year at university.

Likewise, many expats can relate to the "Beijing 15". China's amazing cuisine manifested itself as 15 extra pounds on this writer's midriff after just a few months in the capital.

Fortunately a friend posted a jolting photograph of me on Facebook the same week a new gym opened near my office in Chaoyang district.