Associated Press

Shanghai, May 24:

The Shanghai government has a message for its civil servants: You’re fat. Hit the gym. The city’s Xuhui district says about 15 per cent of its 4,000 bureaucrats are overweight, with just 30 per cent receiving good or excellent marks on their physicals, the Shanghai Daily reported.

“The biggest problems among government clerks and officials are obesity, poor heart and lung functioning, and poor balance,” Zhang Chengyao of the Xuhui District Sports Administration was quoted as saying. Bureaucrats must join one of 25 designated gyms or sports clubs that are offering discounted fees. Those who work out at least once a week get their payments reimbursed, the report said. Shanghai public health officials say they are worried that men in the hectic business hub are aging quicker due to stress, pollution and unhealthy lifestyles - a problem which is further driving down an already slowing birthrate.

“Many office clerks have a static life style, tight scheduled and don’t know much about physical

exercise,” Zhang was quoted as saying by the Shanghai Daily, adding: “Very few of them go the gym regularly.”