Sunday, September 4, 2011

Concluding Thoughts

We began our journey to China as a group of strangers ~ encountering a foreign culture ~ many for the first time. We ended our journey as friends. It was difficult to say goodbye to such gracious and thoughtful persons.

We will always remember the kindnesses that were extended to us.

What did we learn about obesity in China?

~ We learned that many of our assumptions about the pervasiveness of fast food were correct. Fast food is readily accessible and popular with young people in China.

~We learned that income and socioeconomic standing are influential in the obesity problem. We have collected data from 2 schools, varying in their economic standing, and we'll be analyzing that data this fall. Stay tuned.

~We learned that health education makes a difference for students, though the influence of peers is also a factor with regard to food choices.

~We learned that physical activity and exercise are important in China, though playgrounds and green space at many schools is limited. Blacktops are pretty common, though.

~We learned that the Chinese place great importance upon scholastic achievement, especially in science and math.

~We learned that Diabetes, Type 2 is a great concern. Surgical treatment of obesity (bariatric surgery) is now an option in larger medical centers.