OK - I’ve been resisting the urge to chime in (already sent a couple of private notes. But I can’t stay out any longer.
The first time I visited China was in 2007. It was rare (I mean very, very unusual) to see a fat teenager, especially the girls. All petite, slim little things that needed weights in a wind storm lest they get picked up and carried away like a leaf.
And, Yum brands had not penetrated so very much. McDonald’s could be found, but not ubiquitous. Western fast food was here, but not everywhere. And not even that popular. Yeah, kids (and even an occasional adult) could be found hanging out there. But I got the impression they’d buy a coke or something and sit with friends while nursing it. Traditional Chinese foods were still preferred. Lots of veggies
I’m in China right now. 10 years later. Fat teenagers are everywhere. Even girls. American fast food is everywhere. And copy-cat Chinese chains have sprung up as well. No, the menu is not exactly the same as in the US. Pizza with seafood toppings are popular, KFC style shrimp and other unrecognizable meat (I think) products. But most of the American menu is there as well (and not just for the tourists that want to eat something familiar).
I think American fast food and soft drinks are a secret weapon used to disable the Chinese population. It’s almost a return to the days when the Astor, Forbes and other westerners made a fortune selling opium to the Chinese.