More than 20 percent said they rarely had health checks, and more than 70 percent said they often skipped breakfast, before spending long hours on computers or using mobile phones.

Experts now say that the growing prevalence of obesity and endocrine diseases among white-collar Chinese workers is directly connected to diet, lifestyle and psychological conditions.

"The intake of high-calorie food, lack of exercise, working overtime, irregular lifestyles and high mental stress are all taking their toll on white-collar workers, and they continue to develop various health problems," said nutrition expert Han Ting, adding that many symptoms can be simply treated or avoided by adjusting their lifestyles for the better, particularly taking more regular exercise.

Stephane Jacqmin, general manager of consumer healthcare at French multinational pharmaceutical company Sanofi China, is also a running devotee, who has completed eight marathons.

"Having self-physical management is the best support for personal health and happiness," he said.

On Nov 2 he ran the Shanghai International Marathon alongside 35,000 others from home and abroad.

"This was my first participation in a marathon in China, but I have made marathon running an indispensable part of my life," he said.

"It not only helps me keep healthy, but offers me a great work/life balance."

Sanofi also sponsored a group of students from Jinde Primary School, a school for migrant workers' children, to participate in the marathon－a move will help them improve their level of health awareness at a young age, and build their self-confidence through physical exercises, Jacqmin said.

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