Obesity is becoming one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, with more and more people worldwide facing this issue. But why is this happening, and what can be done about it? Let’s dive into the reasons behind the obesity crisis and how China is stepping up to tackle it.
A Growing Global Concern
According to the World Health Organization, over one billion people worldwide are living with obesity—that’s roughly one in eight individuals! And this number is expected to nearly double by 2035, reaching 1.9 billion.
Obesity isn’t just about weight; it’s a leading risk factor for serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. The World Obesity Federation warns that obesity-related illnesses could cost the global economy $4 trillion each year by 2035.
China’s Struggle with Obesity
In China, over half of the adults—more than 600 million people—were overweight or obese as of 2020. This is the highest number in the world. Body mass index (BMI) is used to determine if a person is overweight. In China, a BMI of 24.0-27.9 kg/m² is considered overweight, and 28.0 kg/m² or above is obese.
“If all these people were to seek treatment at hospitals, it would pose a significant challenge to the healthcare system,” says Dr. Zhang Peng, director of metabolic and bariatric surgery at Beijing Friendship Hospital. “Projections indicate that by 2030, 22 percent of the country’s healthcare expenditures will be linked to obesity.”
Why Is Obesity on the Rise?
Dr. Zhang explains that obesity can stem from various factors: family trends, stress-related eating, sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie food choices, and even traditional beliefs that associate excess weight with wealth.
“Obesity can be caused by many things,” he says. “Stress, lack of exercise, eating too much junk food, and sometimes even genetics or certain medications.”
Taking Action: China’s Response
China is taking significant steps to combat the obesity crisis. Under the Healthy China 2030 plan, the country is promoting better nutrition, more physical activity, and public education about healthy lifestyles. The goal is to stop the rise of obesity among children and teens by 2030.
To encourage healthier eating, China has updated its dietary guidelines, recommending people eat less salt, oil, and sugar, and consume more whole grains, vegetables, and plant-based proteins.
The government is also boosting physical activity by expanding sports facilities. By the end of 2023, there were 4.6 million sports venues in China, averaging 2.9 square meters per person.
For young people, schools have implemented strict measures. Junk food advertising targeting children is restricted, and high-sugar snacks are banned in schools. Students are required to exercise at least one hour daily during school hours.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Dr. Zhang points out that there’s a lack of specialized obesity training for healthcare professionals, leading to inconsistent advice for patients.
“A key issue is the lack of specialized obesity training,” he notes. “Medical schools and residency programs do not offer dedicated courses, leading to inconsistent advice from doctors.”
He also mentions that obesity-related stigma often starts at home, where overweight individuals may face criticism from family members. “These individuals need support, not judgment,” Dr. Zhang emphasizes.
Working Together for a Healthier Future
Addressing the obesity crisis requires a collective effort. Dr. Zhang believes that prevention measures need to be deeply integrated into communities. “We must guide the public to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent obesity,” he says. “Those who have already gained weight should be helped to avoid related diseases, and those who have developed diseases due to obesity should actively seek medical treatment.”
Through education, community support, and coordinated healthcare strategies, there’s hope that the rise in obesity can be slowed and eventually reversed.
