Obesity is found in 10 percent of primary-school children in Ho Chi Minh City, putting them at risk of serious health problems as they age.

The finding was provided by Do Thi Ngoc Diep, Deputy Director of the Municipal Nutrition Centre on March 26.

The nutritional expert also came up with the fact that 17 percent of primary school children are struggling against overweight that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

She blamed the alarming situation for children’s frequent intake of fast food, soft drinks, and sweets but less practice of physical activities.

To tackle obesity and overweight in children, HCM City will prioritise the undertaking of intervention measures, especially at primary schools.

More physically-challenged games will be designed and introduced to school boys and girls.

The Municipal Nutrition Centre will instruct food suppliers to avoid overuse of sugar and fat in meals for school children./.