Weight Management: Expert: College students need systematic regiment

World
Europe

02:48

A recent national survey shows China's college students are more and more concerned about their weight. Experts say those most upset about it aren't doing enough to lose weight. But celebrity trainer and one-time Olympian has signed on to help students reverse this trend. As CGTN's Sun Ye shows us, it all comes down to one simple rule.

Topping their concerns this spring season, body weight, according to a national survey by China University Media Union.

And we tried to find out why.

"Are you happy with your weight now?"

"Of course not. I recently gained 4 kilograms."

"So there is an ideal number?"

"That would be 10 kilograms less."

"4, 5 kilograms off my current weight would be nice."

"I hope I shake 3 kg off before summer comes."

The survey found that more than 70 percent of college students are unhappy about their weight and body shape.

And nearly 80 percent are doing something about it.

"I downloaded apps to help work out. But that's that."

"I used to run every evening. Now it depends on my mood."

At Beijing Normal University, they've started a gym class, aptly named "Working out to keep fit".

The online version of the class has streamed hundreds of thousands of times already.

It's coached by Olympic gymnast Chen Yibing.

But he says the popularity is not all about his star power.

CHEN YIBING "Everyone wants to look better. It's a universal wish no matter how they look currently. I am here to tell them the right, scientific and safe ways to do so."

And that means telling them the truth, no matter how unpleasant.

CHEN YIBING "Many come in hoping for a shortcut to fitness. They hope one class a week with me will change things. And I have to let them know: that's impossible."

And he says the one piece of advice for fitness, is perseverance.

CHEN YIBING "If there is one principle to go by, it's this: only a systematic, long-term and scientific training plan can really lead to fitness."

Chen works out every day, a strict regiment that he doesn't expect students to follow.

But he says the more they persevere, the more they're likely to find that fitness is no longer a concern.

SY, CGTN, BJ.