This week's TV coverage of the British 8 year old eating himself to death could be dismissed as a shocking story that could never happen here. Chinese parents could never be so misguided as to let a child grow beyond obese.

But China's blistering economy has brought better living conditions that have made many Chinese super-sized, spawning a new generation of fat kids.

An education bureau research report shows that the physical condition of middle-school students in Shanghai has declined in the past few years. Their obesity rate exceeds the average in China.

Today, 8 percent of 10- to 12-year-olds in cities across the country are considered obese and an additional 15 percent are overweight, according to the Ministry of Education. The closest comparison, in a 2006 report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, found that 18.8 percent of Americans in the 6 to 11 age group are overweight. There was, however, no separate breakout for obesity.

Time was when food was woefully scarce, when the nation had to fight formidable famine. But now food shortages are a thing of the past. China today is not only self-sufficient in food but the country has revolutionized farming with sustained and systematic agricultural planning.

The country's economic power has allowed Chinese families to put more food on the table. Once-scarce meat, dairy products and vegetables are now available aplenty. Growing prosperity has also led to a more sedentary lifestyle: less physical activity, fewer trips on foot and by bicycle, more travel by car, and more Internet usage.

The result: obesity.

For many Chinese, bigger children are a source of pride and proof of prosperity. The old saying "A fat child is a healthy child" is still widely believed.

Nutritional experts at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention are already warning parents not to take children to fast-food joints.

The Shanghai education authorities recently made it mandatory for schools to introduce one hour of physical exercise a day. The authorities have also decided that physical education (PE) should be included in the senior middle school entrance exams and starting next year, students' PE scores will be taken into account for school admission.

Sensible action, indeed.

A strong nation needs a healthy youth brigade: boys and girls who should be growing up fit.

But how should the nation battle with the bulge? The crisis of obesity can hardly be resolved with the government's sincere and earnest endeavors alone.

Parents have a great role in combating the malaise. Their strong commitment is needed to help the government fight the flab.

It's worthwhile to remember the saying "Example is better than precept." Instead of asking children to stay healthy and fit, parents themselves should follow a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Parents should set a daily workout routine for themselves. Let them also set an example of eating the right food: avoiding fast-food joints, avoiding too much oil and meat; instead eating more vegetables.

Children will understand the necessity of leading a healthy lifestyle when their parents set the example.

So, as the Chinese New Year begins, let all parents resolve to set an example for their children by staying fighting fit.

"Fortune favors the brave," goes the adage.

Let us say: "Fortune favors the fittest."

Email: zouhr@chinadaily.com.hk

(China Daily 03/02/2007 page10)