Ho Chi Minh City Battles Growing Student Obesity Amid Urbanisation

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Ho Chi Minh City officials are sounding the alarm over rising obesity rates in students, with over 37% of young people reportedly affected. Rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes, such as increased access to fast food and sedentary living, are fuelling this health crisis. A recent report from the city's People's Committee highlights the stark situation, noting that the obesity rate among children under 5 soared from 11.1% in 2017 to a staggering 19.02% today, surpassing the national average.

The city's health department, led by Tang Chi Thuong, is taking these findings seriously, outlining ambitious goals to curb this trend by 2030. These include reducing obesity rates among children under 5 to below 14%, and aiming for lower percentages in older children and adults. Such steps are crucial, given the links between obesity and severe health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as highlighted by the World Health Organization.

Ultimately, Ho Chi Minh City's health officials are committed to reversing current trends and fostering healthier lifestyles in the wake of urbanisation pressures, hoping to avoid contributing to the alarming global obesity-related health expenses projected to reach $4 trillion by 2035, reported VN Express.