MOHW study spotlights rural weight problems

2015-04-01

Taiwan’s rural populations tend to be more overweight and at risk of obesity than their counterparts in the cities, a recent survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare has found.

Taitung, Hualien and Yunlin counties chalked up the highest body mass index numbers at 44.7 percent, 44.1 percent and 42.9 percent, respectively. Metropolises on Taiwan’s west coast, including Chiayi, Hsinchu, Kaohsiung, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Taipei cities, fell below the national average of 38.5 percent.

“The prevalence of overweight and obese individuals in less developed regions is mainly caused by unhealthy diets and a lack of exercise,” an MOHW official said.

“Income gaps do come into play in terms of food choices,” the official said, adding that healthy fare is more expensive, while lower-priced options are usually loaded with fat and sugar.

According to the official, fewer sports facilities and difficulty in accessing health information also plays a part in the expanding waistlines of rural communities.

Taipei was identified as the slimmest city nationwide in the study. The average BMI of residents is 34.3 percent, a result attributed by the MOHW to a high level of health awareness.

A total of 80 percent of residents engage in regular exercise and physical activity, above the national average of 73 percent, while 13 percent are smokers, lower than national average of 16 percent.

The MOHW classifies an individual with a BMI exceeding 24 percent as overweight. More than 50 percent of Taiwan adults aged 45 and older are overweight, with 20 percent facing the threat of obesity.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228907&CtNode=413)