China launches initiative to tackle obesity surge

China has improved its obesity treatment guidelines for private medical institutions as soaring obesity rates threaten the health of people of all ages.

According to a 2020 report from the National Health Commission (NHC), 34.3 per cent of the country’s adults were overweight and 16.4 per cent were obese.

Research predicted that overweight and obesity rates among Chinese adults could reach 65.3 per cent by 2030.

Chinese minors are also facing significant weight challenges.

Currently, about 19 per cent of people aged 6 to 17 and 10.4 per cent of children under 6 are overweight or obese.

As treatment options for obesity grew more diverse, more and more patients were turning to health care providers for professional treatment plans.

Medication, surgical intervention and lifestyle changes were some of these options.

A new initiative has seen the establishment of a weight management centre to offer expert guidance to private health care facilities that provide weight loss services.

It is aiming to enhance their ability to diagnose and treat obesity.

Obesity is regarded as a significant trigger for a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes and cancer.

It is a major obstacle to realising China’s long-term health goals, such as raising the nation’s average life expectancy to 79 by 2030, as proposed in the country’s Outline of Healthy China 2030.

To combat the rising obesity rates, China has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at raising public awareness of weight management and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In February, the NHC released a set of dietary guidelines to offer advice on food choices and provide recipes tailored to various dietary habits across different regions of China.