Survey reveals top unhealthy habits list

A sedentary lifestyle with a lack of physical exercise, eating unhealthy food and having irregular meals, such as skipping breakfast or eating late at night, are the top three unhealthy habits of local residents, according to a survey released on Monday.

Around 7,600 residents took part in the survey organized by local health authorities, which will offer more targeted health education in line with the survey results, officials said.

For young people, eating fried food, consuming sugary drinks and having an unhealthy diet of takeaway food, overeating and using snacks as meals are the top three unhealthy habits.

For the elderly, eating preserved and improperly stored food, adding too much salt, sugar and soy sauce while cooking and a sedentary lifestyle are the most unhealthy habits.

“According to World Health Organization, two thirds of diseases are related to an unhealthy lifestyle,” said Wang Tong of the Shanghai Health Commission’s health enhancement department. “Local residents are giving extra attention to health care and disease prevention due to the coronavirus pandemic. The survey is to help carry out a more precise, scientific and effective health campaign."

A free gift including a health education book and maps for local health facilities, parks and gyms are being distributed to some 8 million families to offer guidance for a healthy lifestyle.

Lectures targeting people of different ages will be launched to improve overall health awareness, officials said.