Is Being “Chubby” as a Child Really Just Cute? According to data from the Ministry of Education for the 2024 academic year, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among elementary school students across Taiwan reached 23.6%, meaning that nearly 1 in every 4 students is facing a weight status above the healthy range. The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) points out that childhood obesity is not only related to physical health, but may also affect children's psychological well-being, social interactions and academic performance.

The belief that “being overweight as a child is nothing to worry about” may also cause children's weight problems to be overlooked. Citing the 2021 National Health Interview Survey, the HPA noted that among children aged 3 to under 12, 46.8% of caregivers were unable to correctly identify whether their children were overweight, either mistakenly believing that their children were at an appropriate weight or simply not knowing. Among children who were overweight or obese, as many as 59.1% had not taken any measures to manage their weight.Children's eating habits are closely linked to healthy weight management. A balanced intake of vegetables and fruits can help establish a healthy lifestyle. (Photo／MamaBaby)

Childhood Obesity May Increase the Risk of Chronic Diseases in Adulthood
The Health Promotion Administration stated that medical evidence shows childhood obesity may lead to the early development of high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, fatty liver and metabolic disorders. It may also increase the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood. As a result, maintaining a healthy weight during childhood has become an important area of concern.

According to the HPA's 2021 National Health Interview Survey, nearly half of caregivers of children aged 3 to under 12 were unable to correctly assess their children's weight status. Among them, 46.8% mistakenly believed that their children were at an appropriate weight or did not know whether they were overweight. Even among children who were already overweight or obese, 59.1% had not taken measures to manage their weight.

The survey also found that when parents correctly understood their children's actual weight status, 63.5% were willing to take action to manage their children's weight. The HPA therefore pointed out that improving caregivers' understanding of children's weight status is an important step toward early identification and intervention.

Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake Still Have Room for Improvement
In addition to weight status, children's daily levels of physical activity and dietary habits have also raised concerns.

Related data show that only about 35% of children meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. In terms of fruit and vegetable intake, as many as 96% of children do not meet the recommended daily intake of 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit.

The HPA stated that children's healthy weight is closely related to their daily lifestyle. Therefore, related measures do not focus solely on weight figures, but also address physical activity, diet and everyday habits.High-fat, high-calorie foods may make weight management more challenging for children. Developing balanced eating habits should start with everyday meals. (Photo／MamaBaby)

Schools Promote the “85210” Healthy Lifestyle Code
The HPA pointed out that obesity and related health problems are the result of lifestyle patterns accumulated over time. Therefore, in addition to health interventions during pregnancy and the preschool years, schools are also important settings for helping children establish healthy lifestyle habits. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education jointly promote the Health Promoting Schools Program, which identifies healthy weight as a key focus. They also work together to promote the “85210” healthy lifestyle code, extending healthy behaviors from schools into the home. The “85210” code includes:

8: Get 8 hours of sleep every day.
5: Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
2: Limit daily 3C screen time to less than 2 hours.
1: Exercise for 1 hour every day.
0: Drink more water and choose zero-sugar beverages.

Use the Child BMI Calculator to Check Weight Status
The HPA also reminds parents that they can use the official “Child and Adolescent Growth BMI Reference Calculator.” By entering a child's age, height and weight, parents can find out whether the child's current weight status falls within the healthy range.

In addition, parents can download the “Child Health Education Handbook” to learn about health information for different stages of childhood development. By focusing on a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, families can help children establish healthy lifestyle habits.

The HPA stated that maintaining a healthy weight in children requires attention from pregnancy through the school-age years. Families, schools and the healthcare system can work together to create a supportive environment and make healthy behaviors part of children's everyday lives.

This article is used with permission from MamaBaby.