深圳中学生连续3年体质下降

    A new report on the health of Shenzhen residents in 2012 shows only 86.5 percent of local middle school students, aged between 13 and 18, are above the standard level for good physical health, marking a consecutive three-year decline since 2009.

    The report, released last week by the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Sports and Tourism Administration, shows that the health of many middle school students does not meet the ideal standard, while an increasing number of primary students, 92.5 percent in 2012, are in good health.

    Though the report does not shed light on the causes of the disappointing results, tests carried out in the districts of Futian, Luohu and Nanshan indicate that over half of the students dislike physical education lessons. Obesity is a big problem among youngsters, and excessive pressure in their studies and a lack of exercise exacerbate the issues.

    (Zhao Jie)