Weight status and health promotion strategy in Taiwan
Journal
Nutritional Sciences Journal
Journal Volume
33
Journal Issue
4
Pages
116-123
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
As a risk factor of various chronic diseases, obesity has become a worldwide problem. In Taiwan, the prevalence of being overweight and obesity are 30.5% and 19.2% in men, and 21.3% and 13.4% in women, respectively. The increase in the obesity prevalence has been more profound in men than in women compared to prevalences 10 years ago. A high-fat diet and sedentary lifestyle are responsible for the increases in obesity. Childhood and adolescent obesity is also another major problem in Taiwan. A family history of parental obesity and maternal gestational diabetes are important risk factors for childhood and adolescent obesity. In addition, being underweight is also a rising problem, since an excessively thin body image has been overemphasized in adolescents. Therefore, to attain a healthy weight status, we need a good healthcare policy from the government and must adequately utilize resources from communities, schools, workplaces, and hospitals.
Subjects
Being underweight; Obesity; Taiwan; Weight status
SDGs
Type
review