According to the People's Liberation Army Daily the average Chinese soldier is 2cm (0.7 in) taller and 5cm (1.9 in) wider than 20 years ago.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is one of the largest and best funded armed forces in the world. Soldiers are fed a plentiful diet that was unheard of when much of their equipment was built during the 1960s and 70s.
China's bigger soldiers are reportedly struggling to squeeze into the PLA's tanks, which are based on the 30 year old low slung Russian T-series.
Ding Songtao, director of the survey told reporters that "the configuration of armaments and military personnel’s physique should be matched because that is the only way to ensure handy use of the equipment."
A study by China’s healthy ministry in 2007 showed that urban Chinese boys aged 6 were 6.35 cm (2.5 in) taller and 2.9 kg (6.6 lb) heavier on average, than boys 30 years ago thanks to better nutrition.
Fatter soldiers is a problem the US is all too familiar with. The Pentagon has been warning for years that rising obesity among American armed forces is hampering military effectiveness.
The PLA has announced plans to take 28 average body measurements into consideration when designing new firearms and equipment.
[Image via Flickr]
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