As summer continues to scorch and we reach for yet another ice cream or frozen drink, some less than encouraging news has just rolled in as we roll over: A report has just been released revealing which Chinese cities have the highest rates of obesity. Look away now if you don't want to be tipped off about who's tipping the scales.
As the old English saying goes, 'It's grim up north', with a new report by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention finding that Beijing is the most obese place in China, with a belt buckle-busting 26 percent of Beijingers weighing in with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30. The average national obesity rate is just 12 percent, but Beijing is not the only heavy hitter – Hebei and Xinjiang are in joint second place with 22 percent.
Credit: China Daily/Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Red line indicates obesity rate
On the whole, northern China is more overweight than the south, with our beloved Shanghai coming in at below the national average with an 11 percent obesity rate. Cold weather, heavy foods and generous amounts of jiu of the bai and pi varieties all serve to keep the northerners well-insulated for those bitterly cold winters it seems...
However, despite Shanghai coming out reasonably well in this report, if you still want to watch your figure and burn a few calories, you can always explore Shanghai by bike, hit the gym, enjoy a leisurely art walk, or even get involved with the city's cricket league - it is summer after all.
That being said, not to be the devil on your shoulder, but... we think you still have plenty of room for Shanghai's best sandwiches, these great milkshakes, these crazy ice cream flavours and not to mention a bing or two. After all, we're not even at the national average...
More from Time Out Shanghai
26 awesome things to do in July
The hottest tickets available right now on Time Out Tickets