1.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
2.Development trajectories of clustered health risk behaviors and their association with self esteem and loneliness among junior high school students
XU Tao, LIU Lü ; hao, CHEN Jiajia, WANG Yongsheng, ZHANG Tiancheng, YANG Xuejing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):189-193
Objective:
To analyze the developmental trajectories of clustered health risk behaviors and their association with self-esteem and lonelinesss among junior high school students, so as to provide a reference for formulating comprehensive prevention and control measures of health risk behaviors among adolescents.
Methods:
In October 2023, 1 165 first year junior high school students from two schools of Jishou City in Hunan Province were selected by convenient sampling method for three follow up surveys (T1:October 2023; T2:April 2024; T3:October 2024). The Adolescent Health Risk Behavior Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self esteem Scale and Loneliness Scale were used to assess health risk behaviors, self esteem and loneliness, respectively. Latent growth curve modeling and latent growth mixture modeling were applied to analyze the developmental trajectories of clustered health risk behaviors among junior high school students. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association of the developmental trajectories of clustered health risk behaviors with self esteem and loneliness among junior high school students.
Results:
The overall developmental trajectories among junior high school students showed a declining trend (intercept=0.15, slope=-1.65, both P <0.05), with three heterogeneous categories:low risk improvement group ( n =862, 74.0%), moderate risk stable group ( n =260, 22.3%), and high risk deterioration group ( n =43, 3.7%). After adjusting the status of the left behind individuals,using the low risk improvement group as the reference category in multinomial Logistic regression analysis, results indicated that higher loneliness scores among junior high school students increased the risks of belonging to the moderate risk stable group ( OR=1.02, 95%CI =1.00- 1.04 ) and the high risk deterioration group ( OR=1.04, 95%CI =1.00-1.08), while higher self esteem scores reduced the risks of belonging to the moderate risk stable group ( OR=0.93, 95%CI =0.91-0.96) and the high risk deterioration group ( OR=0.88, 95%CI =0.83-0.94) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The overall trend of clustered health risk behaviors among junior high school students gradually improves, and the self esteem and loneliness are significant correlative factors. Targeted intervention measures should be developed for the junior high school students, with a focus on enhancing their self esteem and alleviating loneliness.
3.Effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Jiajia YUAN ; Huaining HU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):337-344
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on respiratory function, exercise capacity and clinical symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA total of 96 COPD patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January, 2023 to June, 2024 were selected. They were divided into control group and observation group (48 cases each) using block randomization combined with a random number table. The control group received routine treatment and nursing intervention, while the observation group added tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy, for six months. Evaluations were conducted before intervention and one, three and six months after intervention. ResultsThree cases in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Compared to the control group, the observation group was better in forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted (FEV1%) level six months after intervention (χ2 = 10.481, P < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure three months (Z = -2.045, P = 0.044) and six months (Z = -3.643, P = 0.033) after intervention, maximal expiratory pressure three months (Z = 2.111, P = 0.036) and six months (Z = 4.025, P < 0.001) after intervention, exercise capacity one month (t = 2.266, P = 0.028), three months (t = 3.943, P = 0.028) and six months (t = 6.703, P < 0.001) after intervention, fatigue scores three months (Z = -4.352, P < 0.001) and six months (Z = -5.718, P < 0.001) after intervention, clinical symptoms three months (t = -2.698, P = 0.007) and six months (t = -2.898, P = 0.003) after intervention, and clinical control levels three months (t = -3.402, P < 0.001) and six months (t = -5.036, P < 0.001) after intervention. ConclusionTele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy is beneficial in improving respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, clinical symptoms and clinical control levels in patients with COPD.
4.Effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Jiajia YUAN ; Huaining HU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):337-344
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on respiratory function, exercise capacity and clinical symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA total of 96 COPD patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January, 2023 to June, 2024 were selected. They were divided into control group and observation group (48 cases each) using block randomization combined with a random number table. The control group received routine treatment and nursing intervention, while the observation group added tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy, for six months. Evaluations were conducted before intervention and one, three and six months after intervention. ResultsThree cases in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Compared to the control group, the observation group was better in forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted (FEV1%) level six months after intervention (χ2 = 10.481, P < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure three months (Z = -2.045, P = 0.044) and six months (Z = -3.643, P = 0.033) after intervention, maximal expiratory pressure three months (Z = 2.111, P = 0.036) and six months (Z = 4.025, P < 0.001) after intervention, exercise capacity one month (t = 2.266, P = 0.028), three months (t = 3.943, P = 0.028) and six months (t = 6.703, P < 0.001) after intervention, fatigue scores three months (Z = -4.352, P < 0.001) and six months (Z = -5.718, P < 0.001) after intervention, clinical symptoms three months (t = -2.698, P = 0.007) and six months (t = -2.898, P = 0.003) after intervention, and clinical control levels three months (t = -3.402, P < 0.001) and six months (t = -5.036, P < 0.001) after intervention. ConclusionTele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy is beneficial in improving respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, clinical symptoms and clinical control levels in patients with COPD.
5.Effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Jiajia YUAN ; Huaining HU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):337-344
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on respiratory function, exercise capacity and clinical symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA total of 96 COPD patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January, 2023 to June, 2024 were selected. They were divided into control group and observation group (48 cases each) using block randomization combined with a random number table. The control group received routine treatment and nursing intervention, while the observation group added tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy, for six months. Evaluations were conducted before intervention and one, three and six months after intervention. ResultsThree cases in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Compared to the control group, the observation group was better in forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted (FEV1%) level six months after intervention (χ2 = 10.481, P < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure three months (Z = -2.045, P = 0.044) and six months (Z = -3.643, P = 0.033) after intervention, maximal expiratory pressure three months (Z = 2.111, P = 0.036) and six months (Z = 4.025, P < 0.001) after intervention, exercise capacity one month (t = 2.266, P = 0.028), three months (t = 3.943, P = 0.028) and six months (t = 6.703, P < 0.001) after intervention, fatigue scores three months (Z = -4.352, P < 0.001) and six months (Z = -5.718, P < 0.001) after intervention, clinical symptoms three months (t = -2.698, P = 0.007) and six months (t = -2.898, P = 0.003) after intervention, and clinical control levels three months (t = -3.402, P < 0.001) and six months (t = -5.036, P < 0.001) after intervention. ConclusionTele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy is beneficial in improving respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, clinical symptoms and clinical control levels in patients with COPD.
6.Effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023
Chen PU ; Yu ZHANG ; Jiajia WAN ; Nannan WANG ; Jingye SHANG ; Liang XU ; Ling CHEN ; Lin CHEN ; Zisong WU ; Bo ZHONG ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(3):284-288
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province during the stage moving from transmission interruption to elimination (2015—2023), so as to provide insights into formulation of the schistosomiasis control measures during the post-elimination stage. Methods Schistosomiasis control data were retrospectively collected from departments of health, agriculture and rural affairs, forestry and grassland, water resources, and natural resources in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023, and a database was created to document examinations and treatments of human and livestock schistosomiasis, and snail survey and control, conversion of paddy fields to dry fields, ditch hardening, rivers and lakes management and building of forests for snail control and schistosomiasis prevention. The completion of schistosomiasis control measures was investigated, and the effectiveness was evaluated. Results A total of 20 545 155 person-times received human schistosomiasis examinations in Sichuan Province during the period from 2015 to 2023, and 232 157 person-times were seropositive, with a reduction in the seroprevalence from 2.10% (44 299/2 107 003) in 2015 to 1.12% (9 361/837 896) in 2023 (χ2 = 7.68, P < 0.001). The seroprevalence of human schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a decline in Sichuan Province over years from 2015 to 2023 (b = −8.375, t = −10.052, P < 0.001); however, no egg positive individuals were identified during the period from 2018 to 2023, with the prevalence of human Schistosoma japonicum infections maintained at 0. Expanded chemotherapy was administered to 2 754 515 person-times, and medical assistance of advanced schistosomiasis was given to 6 436 persontimes, with the treatment coverage increasing from 46.80% (827/1 767) in 2015 to 64.87% (868/1 338) in 2023. Parasitological tests for livestock schistosomiasis were performed in 35 113 herd-times, and expanded chemotherapy was administered to 513 043 herd-times, while the number of fenced livestock decreased from 121 631 in 2015 to 103 489 in 2023, with a reduction of 14.92%. Snail survey covered 433 621.80 hm2 in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023, with 204 602.81 hm2 treated by chemical control and 4 637.74 hm2 by environmental modifications. The area of snail habitats decreased from the peak of 5 029.80 hm2 in 2016 to 3 709.72 hm2 in 2023, and the actual area of snail habitats decreased from the peak of 8 585.48 hm2 in 2016 to 473.09 hm2 in 2023. The mean density of living snails remained low across the study period except in 2017 (0.62 snails/0.1 m2). Schistosomiasis control efforts by departments of agriculture and rural affairs in Sichuan Province included conversion of paddy fields to dry fields covering 153 346.93 hm2, hardening of 6 110.31 km ditches, building of 70 356 biogas digesters, replacement of cattle with 227 161 sets of machines, and captive breeding of 21 161 070 livestock from 2015 to 2023, and the control efforts by departments of water resources included rivers and lakes management measuring 5 676.92 km and renovation of 2 331 irrigation areas, while the control efforts by departments of forestry and grassland included building of forests for snail control and schistosomiasis prevention covering 23 913.33 hm2, renovation of snail control forests covering 8 720 hm2 and newly building of shelterbelts covering 764 686.67 hm2. All 63 endemic counties (cities and districts) had achieved the criterion for schistosomiasis elimination criteria in Sichuan Province by the end of 2023. Conclusion Following the integrated control efforts from 2015 to 2023, remarkable achievements have been obtained in the schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province, with all endemic counties successfully attaining the schistosomiasis elimination target at the county level.
7.Association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13-18
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1232-1236
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents.
Results:
In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14),and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.
8.Evolution and development of mental health policies for children and adolescents in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1246-1251
Objective:
To systematically review the development and changes in mental health policies within the National Outline for Children s Development in China from 1992 to 2030, providing a reference basis for future formulation of mental health policies among children and adolescent in China.
Methods:
Based on the four editions of the National Outline for Children s Development in China across different periods from 1992 to 2030, word frequency analysis was used to reveal shifts in policy priorities, and an internationally recognized framework for adolescent health policy analysis was applied to conduct a textual review.
Results:
Word frequency analysis revealed that the term "psychological" appeared 6 times in the National Outline for Children s Development in China (2001-2010) but increased to 20 times in the National Outline for Children s Development in China (2021-2030) (abbreviated as the National Outline of 2021), while the term "health" rose from 4 times in the National Outline for Children s Development Plan in China in the 1990s to 68 times in the National Outline of 2021. The scope of mental health policy interventions expanded to encompass five key areas:health, safety, education, welfare and legal protection. Textual analysis highlighted that the policies of the National Outline for Children s Development in China were demand driven, prioritized vulnerable groups and continuously broadened their coverage, emphasizing sustainability and appropriateness, and monitoring/evaluation mechanisms. By 2023, 42.3% of primary schools and 64.8% of secondary schools employed full time mental health education teachers. However, the National Outline for Children s Development in China lacked direct evidence of children and adolescents participation in policy formulation, and publicly available mental health data disaggregated by age and gender remained limited.
Conclusion
Mental health policies of children and adolescents in China have evolved from nonexistence to gradual refinement, yet institutionalized channels for youth involvement in policy development and evaluation remain insufficient, and transparency in age and gender specific mental health data needs improvement.
9.Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in key areas during the elimination phase
Chao LÜ ; Xiaojuan XU ; Jiajia LI ; Ting FENG ; Hai ZHU ; Yifeng LI ; Ling XU ; Zhihong FENG ; Huiwen JIANG ; Xiaoqing ZOU ; Wenjun WEI ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Yang HONG ; Shiqing ZHANG ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):475-481
Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ2 = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ2 = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ2 = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.
10.Secular trend and projection of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from 1985 to 2019: Rural areas are becoming the focus of investment.
Jiajia DANG ; Yunfei LIU ; Shan CAI ; Panliang ZHONG ; Di SHI ; Ziyue CHEN ; Yihang ZHANG ; Yanhui DONG ; Jun MA ; Yi SONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):311-317
BACKGROUND:
The urban-rural disparities in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are narrowing, and there is a need for long-term and updated data to explain this inequality, understand the underlying mechanisms, and identify priority groups for interventions.
METHODS:
We analyzed data from seven rounds of the Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) conducted from 1985 to 2019, focusing on school-age children and adolescents aged 7-18 years. Joinpoint regression was used to identify inflection points (indicating a change in the trend) in the prevalence of overweight and obesity during the study period, stratified by urban/rural areas and sex. Annual percent change (APC), average annual percent change (AAPC), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to describe changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Polynomial regression models were used to predict the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in 2025 and 2030, considering urban/rural areas, sex, and age groups.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban boys and girls showed an inflection point of 2000, with AAPC values of 10.09% (95% CI: 7.33-12.92%, t = 7.414, P <0.001) and 8.67% (95% CI: 6.10-11.30%, t = 6.809, P <0.001), respectively. The APC for urban boys decreased from 18.31% (95% CI: 4.72-33.67%, t = 5.926, P = 0.027) to 4.01% (95% CI: 1.33-6.75%, t = 6.486, P = 0.023), while the APC for urban girls decreased from 13.88% (95% CI: 1.82-27.38%, t = 4.994, P = 0.038) to 4.72% (95% CI: 1.43-8.12%, t = 6.215, P = 0.025). However, no inflection points were observed in the best-fit models for rural boys and girls during the period 1985-2019. The prevalence of overweight and obesity for both urban and rural boys is expected to converge at 35.76% by approximately 2027. A similar pattern is observed for urban and rural girls, with a prevalence of overweight and obesity reaching 20.86% in 2025.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents has been steadily increasing from 1985 to 2019. A complete reversal in urban-rural prevalence is expected by 2027, with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in rural areas. Urgent action is needed to address health inequities and increase investments, particularly policies targeting rural children and adolescents.
Humans
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Child
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Adolescent
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Female
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Male
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Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
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Overweight/epidemiology*
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Prevalence
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China/epidemiology*
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Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology*
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Obesity/epidemiology*
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Urban Population


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