Child Welfare League Foundation warns of youth obesity in Taiwan

兒童福利聯盟基金會示警台灣青少年肥胖問題

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Child Welfare League Foundation warned of rising youth obesity in Taiwan after releasing survey results Sunday showing that more than 60% of schoolchildren eat fast food or fried food at least once a week, while more than half drink bubble tea weekly.

The findings were released at a press conference alongside the 2026 Taiwan Children’s Diet Survey Report, which found that one in 10 children eats breakfast fewer than three days a week. The survey also showed that 25% do not have a fixed dinner time, 60% mainly consume starch-based meals, 20% eat with their families fewer than two days a week, and 30% said they rarely talk at the dinner table.

Further analysis showed that schoolchildren frequently consume high-fat and high-sugar foods. About 16.3% eat fast food or fried food at least three days a week, while 67% consume such foods at least once a week. In addition, 53% eat snacks or desserts more than three days a week, and 21% consume them almost daily.

The CWLF said children who frequently consume fast food, fried food, and sugary drinks have significantly higher obesity rates. The foundation urged parents, schools, and the government to work together to improve children’s eating habits.

The foundation also cautioned that parents who provide nutritional supplements or energy drinks to children should strictly follow recommended dosages and avoid overconsumption. Children under age 12 should not consume energy drinks containing caffeine, it said.

The CWLF recommended that parents help children establish regular eating schedules and portion control while reducing consumption of sugary drinks, fried foods, processed meats, and sweets. For picky eaters, the foundation advised encouragement rather than coercion and maintaining a relaxed mealtime atmosphere. It warned that tense dining environments, including scolding or questioning about schoolwork, are closely linked to poor sleep.

The foundation also called on the government to strengthen food labeling regulations so parents can better understand sugar content and additives in foods commonly consumed by children. Schools were urged to enhance nutrition education to help children develop healthy eating habits from an early age.

The survey targeted fifth- and sixth-grade students nationwide and used stratified cluster random sampling. It was conducted from Sept. 8 to Oct. 8, 2025, with 1,603 questionnaires distributed and 1,255 valid responses collected. The margin of error was plus or minus 2.76% at a 95% confidence level.