China's National Health Commission (NHC) issued the first recommended standardized diagnosis and treatment of obesity. Today over half of all Chinese are in a pot-bellied or overweight state. This trend is expected to worsen, with estimates indicating 65.3% of the population will be affected by 2030. Obesity is the sixth most prevalent contributor to death and disability in China, taking on characteristics of public health emergency.
Rising Obesity Rates in China
- China's obesity epidemic is exacerbated by economic changes leading to more sedentary jobs and a shift towards cheaper, unhealthy food options.
- Factors contributing to obesity include desk-bound lifestyles, poor diet choices, urban stress, and rural challenges.
- The National Health Council (NHC) has issued guidelines covering clinical nutrition, surgical treatment, behavioral and psychological interventions, and exercise interventions.
- A three-year public awareness campaign was launched in July 2024, promoting eight key slogans: lifelong commitment, active monitoring, balanced diet, physical activity, good sleep, reasonable targets, and family action.
- School initiatives include regular health screenings, daily physical exercise, employment of nutritionists, and reducing salt, oil, and sugar intake in school meals.
- Obesity in China is seen as an "unintended consequence" of improving living standards, leading to increased calorie intake and reduced physical activity.
Month: Current Affairs - November 16, 2024
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