China’s New Focus on Physical Education: Tackling Rising Obesity Rates in Schools

China is making a big change in schools by prioritizing physical education. The government wants this subject to be as important as math or English. This push comes as a response to rising concerns about childhood obesity.

According to the Ministry of Education, both primary and secondary schools must treat physical education teachers with the same respect and pay as teachers of other core subjects. They are also encouraging schools to promote popular sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball.

These changes are part of a bigger plan for a well-rounded education that combines physical fitness with academic success. The goal is to prepare students for a healthier future.

The new measures follow China’s first national plan, announced in January, aimed at creating a “strong education nation” by 2035. One key part of this plan requires students to engage in at least two hours of physical activity each day to help combat issues like myopia and obesity.

There is a significant shortage of physical education teachers in China, especially in rural areas. Reports indicate there are around 120,000 vacancies. To address this, schools are encouraged to hire retired athletes and military veterans.

In addition to equal pay for physical education teachers, there will be performance bonuses for coaching after-school sports and leading teams. This step aims to enhance the quality of sports education in schools.

Since 2019, youth obesity rates have surged, partly due to less physical activity during COVID-19 lockdowns and an increase in junk food delivery. Health experts predict that obesity rates will continue to rise in the coming years due to economic challenges and unhealthy lifestyle changes.

Statistics show that the obesity rate among Chinese boys increased dramatically, rising from 1.3% in 1990 to 15.2% in 2022. Girls showed an increase as well, going from 0.6% in 1990 to 7.7% in 2022. While these numbers are lower than those in the U.S., which stands at 22%, they are higher than in countries like Japan, the U.K., Canada, and India.

Obesity has become a pressing public health concern in China. It now ranks as a significant risk factor for death and disability, according to the National Health Commission.