(Yicai Global) Dec. 23 -- Chinese adults are becoming increasingly overweight, according to a government-sponsored survey.

More than half of Chinese adults were overweight or obese as of last year, according to a report that the National Health Commission released today. Less than a quarter of the survey participants exercised at least once a week.

The average weight of men aged between 18 and 44 years had risen by 3.4 kilograms to 69.6 kg from 2015. That of women had increased by 1.7 kg to 59 kg.

Some of the reasons were related to diet. Consumers didn't eat a lot of fruit, bean products, or dairy. Their intake of vitamin A and calcium was insufficient. Almost one-fifth of primary and secondary school students drank sugary beverages often, based on the report.

Last year, almost 89 percent of all deaths in China were caused by chronic diseases, Li Bin, deputy director of the commission said at a press conference today. More than 71 percent of the total was related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, Li added.

But health consciousness is becoming more prevalent, according to the official. Fewer people are smoking and the rate of passive smoking fell to 68.1 percent from 72.4 percent in 2015. The rate of those who drink alcohol almost every day among all who consume alcohol dropped to 19.9 percent from 25.5 percent. People also use less salt daily, falling to 9.3 grams from 10.5 grams.

Moreover, Chinese people are measuring their health indicators such as weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body fat more regularly, Li added.

Editor: Emmi Laine