China has 70 million obese people. But not many of these people realise that obesity causes a wide range of health problems. Instead, we see many people who are not fat at all trying hard to lose weight.

During a recent forum on scientific methods of weight loss, experts suggested people get a clear idea of whether they're overweight or not first, before starting to pedal away their pounds.

"Subtract 100 or 105 from your height in centimeters. If your weight in kilos is 10% more than this result, then you are overweight. If it's 20% more, then you are obese."

Weight loss through highly restrictive diets is not recommended by experts; they say women who aim for a skinny, bony look could be heading for serious health problems.

"Some people think the thinner you are the more beautiful. But starving will only make you feel weak. It may even cause bone fractures."

They also advise us not to trust products that claim you can become thin in three days. The right way to keep fit is still the traditional way: less oily food, and a good amount of exercise.

(Xinhua News  Agency  May 13, 2004)