China Strengthens Focus on Physical Education to Combat Childhood Obesity

China is making physical education a core part of its school curriculum, aiming to integrate fitness with academics for a more “holistic education,” according to the country’s Ministry of Education. This initiative comes as concerns over rising childhood obesity rates grow nationwide.

Primary and secondary schools have been directed to treat physical education teachers on par with their colleagues teaching core subjects like Chinese, math, and English. Schools are also expected to prioritize key sports, including soccer, basketball, and volleyball, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

“This move is part of a broader strategy to prepare well-rounded students who are academically and physically equipped for the future,” the Ministry explained.

The new measures follow China’s first national education plan unveiled in January, which aims to create a “strong education nation” by 2035. The plan mandates at least two hours of daily physical activity for primary and secondary school students to curb obesity and myopia (nearsightedness).

Addressing the shortage of physical education teachers, which stood at around 120,000 in mid-2022, especially in rural areas, the Ministry plans to recruit retired athletes and military veterans to bridge the gap. Additionally, physical education teachers will now receive equal compensation as their peers in other subjects, with performance-based bonuses for after-school sports programs and team coaching.

Obesity has become a significant public health issue in China, ranking as the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability, according to the National Health Commission.

With these reforms, China aims to cultivate healthier students while addressing pressing public health concerns.