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Total entries in this category: 24
Published On: Mar 07, 2006 03:02 PM
Total entries in this category: 24
Published On: Mar 07, 2006 03:02 PM
Fatso
The Atlantic Monthly recently reported that 29% of
urban Chinese children are now obese.
Kunming is not a wealthy enough city for our local
school to reflect that statistic, but it's clear that even in this backwater,
Chinese bodies are changing. For instance, in 2001, I struggled to find pants
that would fit my size 6 hips and ended up with size XL (grimacing all the way
to the cash register). This time, I reliably wear medium and buy pants without
difficulty. It's not that I've gotten smaller; Kunming women have gotten plumper
and sizes have changed accordingly.
The number of pudgy students in my classes is about the same as in 2000. What has become rare, however, are under-nourished looking students. This is especially apparent among the male students. Last time I used to joke that only one male student had bigger biceps than I did, but now, quite a few look like they could beat me at arm wrestling. By American standards, all but a few would be considered small, but at least they have some meat on them now.
The number of pudgy students in my classes is about the same as in 2000. What has become rare, however, are under-nourished looking students. This is especially apparent among the male students. Last time I used to joke that only one male student had bigger biceps than I did, but now, quite a few look like they could beat me at arm wrestling. By American standards, all but a few would be considered small, but at least they have some meat on them now.
Posted: Thu - November 27, 2003 at 09:26 PM