And, of this group, 12.3 per cent are considered obese, up half on the 6.2 per cent of 1992.

It is estimated that more than 200 million people will be struggling with obesity issues within the next 10 years.

Zhao Li, a 22-year-old policeman from Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, admits his weight causes problems when he is working.

"I cannot run fast when I am on duty, though my weight of 113 kilograms gives me strength," Zhao says.

He is attending a weight loss camp in Beijing.

Dozens of overweight people from all over the country are at the 42-day camp in a bid to lose their excess pounds through intensive exercise and better diets.

It has been jointly run by Bodyworks Fitness Centre and TV programme "Good Morning, China" on China Central Television since 2002.

Since its launch, the course, costing 14,800 yuan (US$1,827) per person, has attracted more than 5,000 people of all ages.

According to Bodyworks, more than 50 tons has been collectively lost at the camp.

"As Chinese consumers are experiencing higher standards of living than ever before, they are becoming aware that obesity is unhealthy and related to many diseases," says Zhao Xiaonan, content director of www.soosou.net, a website specializing in weight loss.

It has been proven that obesity goes hand in hand with a series of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, high blood pressure and liver problems.

"People are willing to pay money for health, as well as good figures," Zhao tells China Business Weekly.

She adds that spring is the season when people have an increasing desire to lose weight, as spring and summer clothing can hardly keep their waistlines a secret.

To cater to these growing needs, many fitness centres like Bodyworks provide weight loss courses, while beauty salons around the country are competing to offer weight loss services to attract customers.

A 54-year-old woman surnamed Yu, in Northeast China's Liaoning Province, recently set up a weight loss club, using traditional massage and Chinese classical music to help people ease tension and lose weight.

A dozen customers have joined the club, trying to achieve a better figure through "the healthy way," as it is called by Yu.

"I am confident that the club will grow more popular, as people are paying more attention to health issues," Yu says.

Nanjing Suhe Health Care Co is trying to expand its health care salons, which adopts a Taoist regimen to help people lose weight and build healthy bodies, nationwide.

"We have opened more than 10 salons in East China, with three in Nanjing," says Wang Yingzhou, general manager of the company.