BEIJING – China is intensifying its efforts to combat rising obesity rates with a comprehensive national initiative spearheaded by the National Health Commission (NHC). The plan includes establishing weight management clinics,promoting outdoor activities,and issuing tailored dietary guidelines. This marks a significant shift towards proactive health management, moving beyond traditional disease treatment.

The initiative gained momentum following a recent news conference where lei Haichao, head of the NHC, outlined plans to create more weight management clinics within existing medical and health facilities. These clinics aim to provide individuals with safe and effective strategies for weight loss and healthier lifestyles. The declaration, coinciding with the annual gathering of national lawmakers in Beijing, quickly resonated with the public, sparking widespread discussion on social media platforms like Weibo and rednote.

The 2025 goverment work report, approved by lawmakers on March 11, solidified China’s commitment to prioritizing health within its medical system. This commitment represents a basic change from a past focus on treating illnesses to actively promoting wellness and prevention.

The public response has been enthusiastic, with the emergence of the hashtag The country’s calling you to drop those pounds and a wave of humorous cartoons circulating online. Wang Youfa, head of the Global Health Institute at Xi’an Jiaotong University, interprets this as a sign of growing public awareness regarding the serious consequences of obesity. He notes that this mirrors an alignment of scientific research, government action, and public engagement, suggesting a burgeoning wellness movement across the nation.

for a country that once struggled with widespread food scarcity, obesity was not a significant concern untill the economic reforms of the late 1970s. However, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, China now faces a growing obesity crisis. The NHC reports that over half of Chinese adults are currently overweight or obese, and projections indicate that this rate could climb to 70.5 percent by 2030 if left unaddressed.

Estimates suggest that the economic burden associated with overweight and obesity could account for 21.5 percent of China’s total medical expenses by 2030.In response, authorities launched a nationwide campaign in June 2024, aiming to cultivate a supportive surroundings for weight control within a three-year timeframe. The establishment of obesity clinics is a central component of this comprehensive strategy.

Professional Aid and Traditional Chinese Medicine

The new weight management clinics offer professional medical assistance to those struggling with obesity. One of the first beneficiaries of this initiative is Chen, a Beijing resident weighing 100 kilograms, who sought help at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The 104-year-old institution recently launched its joint clinic, staffed by experts in clinical nutrition, endocrinology, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Upon consultation with clinical nutrition specialist Chen Wei, Chen learned that she faced not only obesity but also diabetes and high blood pressure. Chen Wei collaborated with endocrinology and TCM specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that integrates TCM medications, acupuncture, Metformin, and a personalized health management strategy.

Wang Youfa emphasizes the significant role of traditional medicine in this approach, stating that practices such as acupuncture, massage, Qigong, and medicinal diets provide China with a unique advantage in addressing obesity. At Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jiangsu Province, physician Jiang Yawen has already treated over 100 patients with acupuncture for obesity in just two weeks of March.

According to Jiang, TCM views obesity as being linked to the functioning of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. She explains that acupuncture can help by enhancing the function of these organs, curbing appetite, and improving nutrient absorption in the stomach and intestines. Jiang has even shared her expertise internationally, bringing her acupuncture therapy to Malta as part of a Chinese medical team from 2020 to 2021, where it was well-received and helped locals combat obesity.

While weight control clinics offer valuable professional services, Wang cautions about the potential risks of over-treatment and unintended health or financial consequences. He emphasizes the need for relevant research, assessment, oversight and regulation.

Embracing Outdoor Activities and Wellness

beyond the establishment of specialized clinics, China is also promoting broader lifestyle changes to combat obesity. Sports and healthy eating have long been encouraged, with families increasingly engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and camping. Enrollment in sports clubs is also on the rise, and outdoor and sports apparel and equipment are top sellers during online shopping events.

Luo Ming, a 43-year-old automotive engineer, exemplifies this trend. He hikes Miaofeng Mountain, located 55 kilometers northwest of central Beijing, every weekend. He states, Thanks to this routine, I merely keep my health reports free of red flags, highlighting the positive impact of regular exercise on his health.

By the end of 2023, China had constructed 4.59 million sports venues and 370,000 kilometers of fitness trails. Physical education testing has also been integrated into high school entrance exams, further emphasizing the importance of physical fitness.

A survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that 49.6 percent of residents engaged in sports and fitness activities in 2024, representing an 18.7 percentage point increase from 2018.

Dietary guidelines and Healthier Food Choices

Authorities have also addressed public health by issuing dietary guidelines. The 2024 edition for obese adults provides tailored menus for diverse groups across different regions.For example, a spring dinner menu for central China residents includes millet, steamed weever, stir-fried Chinese cabbage with mushrooms, and stir-fried lettuce.

He gengsheng, a member of the obesity branch of the China Nutrition Society, emphasizes that these guidelines offer practical, tasty, and healthy food options to support weight management. consumers are increasingly calorie-conscious and carefully examine ingredient lists. Many office workers now opt for healthier lunch options such as bowls of greens topped with lean protein.

Entrepreneurs are also adapting to this trend by creating lighter versions of traditional cuisine. Even festive treats like mooncakes and zongzi have been modified with slimmed-down fillings and smaller portions to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Wu Ke, a 30-year-old primary school teacher in Beijing, often uses liquid salads to counteract holiday overindulgence. She states, I prefer options with cleaner labels over complex alternatives that have a laundry list of ingredients.

A 2024 food delivery report indicates a significant shift in dietary habits, with whole grain consumption soaring, fruit intake increasing, and nearly 70 percent of tea drinkers now preferring low-sugar varieties.

Huang Peng,a professor at the school of sports medicine and rehabilitation at Beijing Sport University,notes that metabolic rate and body fat percentage are gradually replacing traditional weight measurements as key health indicators in China.