Nearly one in four schoolchildren in Taiwan face issues of being overweight or obese. In response to President Lai’s vision of a “Healthy Taiwan,” the National Health Administration, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, has incorporated healthy eating and physical activity into children’s health initiatives. Under the framework of the Healthy Schools Promotion Program, the campaign “FIT in Action” is being promoted, focusing on three core elements—Fitness (exercise), Intake (diet), and Team (cooperation)—to encourage parents to set an example and help children develop lifelong healthy habits.
Starting at Home: Parents as Role Models for Healthy Habits
According to health check data released by the Ministry of Education for the 2023–2024 academic year, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among elementary school students in Taiwan is 23.8%, while the rate among junior high school students is 28.6%. This means that on average, one in four students is overweight or obese.
Experts from the Presidential Office’s Healthy Taiwan Committee emphasize that to improve childhood obesity, parents must lead by example, cultivating healthy habits from an early age within the family. By doing so, they can help children establish balanced eating patterns and foster positive lifestyle behaviors.
Dr. Yuzi Advocates for “FIT in Action”: Turning Passive into Active
Dr. Chen Mu-rong, director of Yuzi Pediatrics Clinic, also known as “Dr. Yuzi,” highlighted practical ways parents can apply the “FIT in Action” framework—F for Fitness, I for Intake, T for Teamwork:
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Fitness (Exercise): Parents are encouraged to plan at least one hour of physical activity for their children each day. Options include aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, or cycling; basketball, which stimulates growth plates and growth hormone secretion; or table tennis, which helps release serotonin and improves concentration.
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Intake (Diet): Using the “MyPlate” guidelines, children should build balanced eating habits by choosing local, whole, and diverse foods to meet nutritional needs. Parents are advised to limit sugary drinks, as these can cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations, reduced concentration, poorer academic performance, and higher risk of cavities.
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Team (Cooperation): Parental involvement and role modeling are key to developing healthy body habits in children. Exercising together helps children cultivate a love for sports, while preparing meals as a family allows children to explore different ingredients and cooking methods, ultimately fostering healthy eating habits.
HBL Finals MVP Liu Cheng-en Shares: “Eat Right, Train Right, and Get Parents’ Support”
Liu Cheng-en, former player for Songshan High School and the Finals MVP of the 2024 High School Basketball League (HBL), serves as an ambassador for “FIT in Action.” He shared his personal experience in balancing training and nutrition. As a basketball player who needs explosive strength and vertical jumping ability, Liu emphasized the importance of sufficient muscle mass and proper protein intake. He combines both plant-based and animal-based proteins in his diet.
In addition, he discussed stress management during intense training. He admitted that in the past, he often played with his phone and games before bed, which affected his sleep quality and left him tired for the next day’s matches. Now, he avoids using his phone two hours before bedtime. He also highlighted the quiet support of his parents as a crucial factor in his success. “Eating right, training right, and having my parents’ support allow me to give my best on the court,” Liu said. His story reflects the positive energy of sports and the transformative power of the FIT in Action initiative.