China to Strengthen Physical Education in Schools Amid Rising Childhood Obesity
China aims to make physical education a core part of the curriculum to address childhood obesity and promote holistic education.
China is set to prioritize physical education in schools, elevating it to a core subject alongside Chinese, math, and English.
The move comes in response to growing concerns over rising obesity rates among children and the need for a more 'holistic education' that integrates physical fitness with academic development.
The Ministry of Education has mandated that students in primary and secondary schools engage in at least two hours of physical activity daily.
This measure is part of a broader plan to build a 'strong education nation' by 2035, which also aims to address issues such as myopia and obesity.
To support these changes, physical education teachers will now receive equal compensation to their counterparts in other subjects, with performance-based adjustments for additional duties such as after-school sports and team coaching.
China is also facing a shortage of physical education teachers, particularly in rural areas, and will encourage the recruitment of retired athletes and military veterans to address the gap.
Youth obesity in China has been accelerating since 2019, partly due to reduced physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdowns and an increase in unhealthy food consumption.
The proportion of obese boys in China increased to 15.2% in 2022, up from 1.3% in 1990. Obesity in girls rose to 7.7% in 2022, from 0.6% in 1990. The National Health Commission of China has identified obesity as a significant public health issue, ranking as the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability in the country.
The move comes in response to growing concerns over rising obesity rates among children and the need for a more 'holistic education' that integrates physical fitness with academic development.
The Ministry of Education has mandated that students in primary and secondary schools engage in at least two hours of physical activity daily.
This measure is part of a broader plan to build a 'strong education nation' by 2035, which also aims to address issues such as myopia and obesity.
To support these changes, physical education teachers will now receive equal compensation to their counterparts in other subjects, with performance-based adjustments for additional duties such as after-school sports and team coaching.
China is also facing a shortage of physical education teachers, particularly in rural areas, and will encourage the recruitment of retired athletes and military veterans to address the gap.
Youth obesity in China has been accelerating since 2019, partly due to reduced physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdowns and an increase in unhealthy food consumption.
The proportion of obese boys in China increased to 15.2% in 2022, up from 1.3% in 1990. Obesity in girls rose to 7.7% in 2022, from 0.6% in 1990. The National Health Commission of China has identified obesity as a significant public health issue, ranking as the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability in the country.
