Fat intake and nutritional status of children in China.

Although the fat intake of Chinese children is not critically high, on the basis of an 8-province survey, the fat intake of urban boys aged 12-15 y rose from approximately 17% of their total energy intake in 1989 to nearly 30% in 1993. In contrast, a national survey conducted in 1992 indicated that the average fat intake of rural boys and girls aged 2-15 y was insufficient to meet the growth needs of early childhood, ranging from approximately 16% to 20% of their total energy intake. The prevalence of underweight and stunting among Chinese children declined from 1990 to 1995, and there was a disparity between the number of those affected in urban areas compared with rural areas. In a 1991 dietary survey of Chinese boys <6 y, stunting appeared to be linked with a low intake of protein and fat. Data on schoolchildren aged 7-17 y showed an improvement in nutrition from 1991 to 1995, but the prevalence of a low weight to height ratio was markedly higher among urban 17-y-old girls. Overweight and obesity are increasing among urban children and are of particular concern at 11 and 12 y of age. Detailed studies should be conducted to analyze the major risk factors of overweight and obesity and to establish appropriate interventions.