Elderly fuelling problem of overweight children in China
关注中国儿童肥胖问题

Childhood obesity is an international problem, and in China things are no different. Research done by the UK's University of Birmingham shows that Chinese children looked after by their grandparents are more than twice as likely to be overweight, when compared with those cared for by their parents.

Academics from the university and local officials are now engaging with grandparents in South China's city of Guangzhou to help tackle the problem.

Many grandparents in China believe that a chubby child is a healthy child.

For Liang Cuijin, there's no better way to show she loves her grandson than preparing tasty meals for him.

"I prepare the meals for my grandson every day. I cook whatever he likes," said a woman.

Dr. Li Bai, from the University of Birmingham, believes the situation requires immediate intervention.

After around 5 years' research, Dr. Li and her colleagues are now launching a special pilot project called CHIRPY Dragon at primary schools in Guangzhou.

The main target of this program is not the children, but their grandparents.

With the support of the Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the team also plans to improve the nutritional quality & taste of school meals.

This program will also encourage off-campus physical activities that involve both parents and children. Thousands of children at 43 primary schools in Guangzhou city will be involved in this pilot program.