Donning swimming caps and goggles, they stare wearily ahead as they stretch their arms by the side of an outdoor pool.

These middle-class children are among numerous overweight youngsters taking part in a gruelling fat camp at a university in Beijing, China.

They have been sent to the summer camp by their parents in a bid to get them into shape and to prepare them for the challenges of life in one of the world’s largest economies.

On a daily basis, they are forced to swim, run, lift weights and perform exercises under the supervision of strict Chinese trainers.

They are also required to undergo medical and weight checks by professional nurses at the facility.

Obesity is a growing problem among the burgeoning middle-class in China. According to recent studies, the country is now the second fattest in the world behind America.

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