China Speakers Bureau: From famine to feast in two generations

Paul French by Fantake via Flickr

Obesity has become one of China's most important problems, tells Paul French, author of an upcoming book on the issue to Sky News.

"In the last 30 years they've gone from famine to feast in just two generations," explained British economist Paul French, who is soon to publish a book on China's rapid weight gain.

"Availability and accessibility of food are both widespread now. People have more money, and they're just eating more of anything."

China's one-child policy has exacerbated the problem amongst the country's young people. Between 1985 and 2000 the rate of obesity in children jumped nearly 30-fold.

"One child has Mum, Dad and two sets of grandparents," Mr French said.

"It's what we call the six-pocket syndrome. All of that money is being lavished on one little emperor to whom nobody can say no. And it's leading to a rising rate of obesity amongst children."

More at Sky News

Commercial
Paul French is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. When you need him to talk about one of his many books at one of your conferences, do get in touch