However, not eating meat for a long period results in a lack of animal protein, fat-soluble vitamins and other trace elements that are essential constituents needed by the human body. This may not directly trigger complications, but over a long period of time, it will degrade physical strength and immunity, thus weakening resistance to disease. From birth, humans are physiologically omnivorous, and their digestive systems fit this feature. Rejecting animal fat subjects the gastric mucous to a lack of protection, giving rise to various disorders. More and more Chinese now realize sports and exercise are the best cure for obesity, as they help accelerate the metabolic process and the conversion of calories to energy, thus preventing fat from accumulating.
Exercise also helps ease psychological pressure, reducing the likelihood of emotional over-eating.
In light of this, while some people are encouraged to buy certain health products and persuaded to take nutritious tonics, more go outdoors to participate in sporting activities. Even indoors, many people are remolding their bodies using various types of body-building equipment or doing aerobic exercises following TV instructors. The number of people who exercise in professional gyms and join fitness clubs is on the rise. The trend toward disease prevention and fitness, plus the increasing influence of movie stars and super models, means that health experts, fitness tutors and nutrition masters now have much to do. More and more Chinese people are no longer content merely with good food and an easy life, but are pursuing a higher quality of life and healthier and longer lives.