Child growth has improved substantially compared to ten years ago. The improvement in children's growth and the increase of overweight adults are in line with the country's overall food production and the average food consumption of the population. The difference between urban and rural nutritional status deserves more attention. China has shifted its dietary patterns because of economic change. There are substantial differences in dietary patterns between urban and rural populations.
Rural residents tend to maintain the basic traditional diet.
An analysis of food consumption in Shanghai during 1950-1982 revealed the mortality rate of heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and cancer were positively correlated with meat, egg and sugar consumption and negatively correlated with cereal consumption. These figures call for the government and public to take timely actions to avoid over-consumption of animal foods. Although disease pattern change is related to a series of factors, the role nutrition plays in health promotion and disease prevention should not be underestimated. The significance of physical activity for fitness is that it may change risk factors for chronic disease and improve functional and psychological status. Rational nutrition and scientific training are prerequisites for safe and useful exercise.