China issues first national guidelines to tackle obesity epidemic

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has introduced its first set of national guidelines to standardise the diagnosis and treatment of obesity, as the country grapples with a growing public health crisis.

More than half of China’s adult population is currently living with overweight or obese, with the rate projected to rise even further. By 2030, as many as 65.3 per cent of adults could be living with overweight or obese, according to the NHC.

Released on October 17, the new guidelines reflect China's increasing concern over the issue. Obesity is now the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability in the country, the NHC reported. The guidelines aim to provide comprehensive approaches for managing obesity, including clinical nutrition, surgical treatment, behavioral and psychological interventions, and exercise recommendations.

Experts say China’s obesity problem is fueled by two key factors: an increasingly sedentary workforce, driven by economic modernisation and technological advancements, and a shift toward unhealthy, low-cost diets as the country faces slower economic growth. In urban areas, rising job stress, long working hours, and poor dietary habits have further exacerbated the problem. Meanwhile, in rural regions, agriculture work is becoming less physically demanding, while poor healthcare access limits effective weight management interventions.

To combat the issue, China’s NHC and 15 other government departments launched a public awareness campaign in July, focused on promoting healthier lifestyles. The three-year campaign emphasises long-term commitment to monitoring health, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, getting good sleep, and setting realistic fitness goals. Schools across the country have also been urged to implement regular health screenings, daily physical activity, and improved nutritional education.

Xinhua, China’s official news agency, commented that the rise in obesity is an “unintended consequence” of the country’s improving living standards. For much of its history, China faced the challenge of feeding its population, with malnutrition a widespread issue until economic reforms in the late 1970s. Today, the country must navigate the health risks posed by its growing waistlines.