Rising Rates of Obesity & Sleep Apnea in China

September 20, 2012

Western diets and lifestyles are taking a toll on China. A recent population study revealed that as of 2010, an average of 38.5% of Chinese over age 15 have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater (overweight or obese). Four percent are considered obese (BMI > 30). This is a 54% increase in overweight or obese categories compared with 2002, and a 208% increased rate of obesity. In the US, 78% and 46% meet these same criteria, respectively.

It’s been shown that Asians and African Americans are more susceptible to obstructive sleep apnea, due to smaller craniofacial structures. For every pound of weight gained, Asians develop higher levels of apneas and hypopneas. 

It’s not surprising that children of immigrant Chinese in New York are found to have high rates of obesity and diabetes.

If you’re of Asian descent, are your children having problems with being overweight?

Written by Steven Park · Filed Under Blog 
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2 Responses to “Rising Rates of Obesity & Sleep Apnea in China”

  1. Tod Merley on September 20th, 2012 2:55 pm

    Apparently, we are leading them astray!

  2. Bill on September 20th, 2012 9:33 pm

    Other countries will follow, I’m sure. We need only look for those Golden arches to find a whole host of diseases and conditions that needn’t even exist but for a poor diet.

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