Although Shanghai students spend an average of 6,000 yuan (about 700 US dollars) on food each year, 24 percent of them are still malnourished, according to a recent survey conducted in Shanghai among 136,000 students of all grades.

Statistics show that 20 percent of boys and 28 percent of girls are malnourished, but 78 percent of all the students are at least slightly malnourished.

Bad eating habits is the major reason, according to some nutritionists.

Most Shanghai students have lunch at school, but what they usually get are some low-calorie meals with insufficient vitamins and minerals. At the same time, many students, especially girls, prefer snacking over junk foods.

Experts say that meal quality should be improved with joint- efforts by medical and educational departments, and parents also should also help their children change their eating habits and learn to enjoy good and nutritional food. (Xinhua)