China initiates comprehensive three-year strategy to combat obesity epidemic
China has launched a three-year public initiative aimed at improving weight management to address the escalating issue of obesity within its populace. This initiative involves a collaborative effort among the National Health Commission (NHC), the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and 13 additional governmental departments. These bodies have collectively issued a detailed strategy that is set to commence this year.
The primary objectives of this initiative include heightening public awareness regarding effective weight management strategies and fostering an environment conducive to healthy living nationwide.
According to the newly released strategy, there is a targeted focus on enhancing the weight status of various demographic groups, including pregnant women, young adults, children, the elderly, and workers in certain occupational sectors.
Guo Yanhong, who heads the NHC’s Health Emergency Response Office, highlighted the urgent need for this campaign given the rising rates of obesity. The comprehensive plan suggests that employers should enhance facilities to encourage physical activities at workplaces.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to boost physical activity among students by promoting the establishment of health-conscious dining facilities within schools and ensuring students engage in at least one hour of physical exercise during and after school each day. There is also a push to decrease the availability of high-salt, high-sugar, and high-fat foods on school premises.
The strategy supports incorporating traditional Chinese medicinal practices into weight management regimes and advocates for a shift towards “healthy consumption” habits. This includes modifying food processing methods to bolster nutritional content while reducing the levels of oil, salt, and sugar in processed foods.
Recognising the link between body weight and overall health, the NHC points out that obesity often predisposes individuals to chronic diseases such as metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. A pivotal goal of this campaign is to preemptively address these health issues by focusing on holistic wellness rather than merely treating diseases. The campaign also aims to include support for underweight individuals and those suffering from malnutrition.
In addition to dietary and exercise recommendations, the action plan calls for the adoption of advanced technology. It recommends the development and use of intelligent wearable devices that can monitor weight and other health metrics effectively. The integration of big data and artificial intelligence is also encouraged to tailor personal health management plans.
This announcement was made shortly after China’s approval of the widely acclaimed weight loss drug Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Following the endorsement by China’s National Medical Products Administration, Novo Nordisk is set to market its injectable weight-loss medication within China, where approximately 16.4% of the population is currently considered overweight.
This approval has sparked a surge in the demand for weight loss pharmaceuticals in China, prompting several companies to develop medications akin to Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy.
Read MoreIndia and China to introduce cheaper alternatives to popular obesity medications
As global demand for effective weight-loss medications surges, pharmaceutical companies in India and China are poised to disrupt the market by introducing cheaper versions of established obesity drugs, such as Wegovy. These firms are in the process of developing biosimilars, which are highly similar to original biologic drugs but are typically more affordable. This development is expected to make these crucial treatments accessible to a broader audience, especially in regions burdened with high rates of obesity.
Abhijit Zutshi, the Chief Commercial Officer at Biocon, headquartered in Bengaluru, India, highlighted the significant potential for Indian and Chinese companies to enhance global access to these medications. “There is huge potential for companies from India, China that can help create access to these drugs,” Zutshi explained, underlining the goal of providing affordable healthcare solutions to those in need.
The urgency is underscored by the alarming prevalence of obesity and overweight conditions globally, affecting approximately one billion individuals, many of whom reside in India and China. “Demand for anti-obesity drugs is very strong,” affirmed Lei Qian, Vice-President of Clinical Development at Innovent Biologics in Shanghai, illustrating the critical need for effective and accessible treatment options in these populous nations.
The drive to develop biosimilars is fueled by the success of a new class of weight-loss drugs that mimic the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in 2014, starting with Liraglutide (Saxenda). Subsequent developments led to more advanced formulations such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), which offer significant weight loss benefits through weekly injections.
Despite their effectiveness, the cost of these treatments remains a barrier for many, with monthly expenses exceeding US$1,000. In response, companies like Biocon are innovating in drug synthesis and delivery to reduce these costs significantly. Zutshi remains optimistic about the potential for price reductions, suggesting that “it could be cut in half, or be one-tenth the current price.”
The patent landscape in China and India is rapidly evolving, with the patent for liraglutide already expired in China and semaglutide’s patent set to expire in 2026 in both countries. This change will allow more companies to produce and sell biosimilar versions, intensifying competition and potentially leading to further price reductions.
In addition to biosimilars, there are efforts underway to innovate beyond the existing drug formulas. For instance, Sun Pharmaceuticals in Mumbai is developing a new molecule, GL0034, which shows promise in early-stage trials to reduce body weight by up to 10% in just two months. Furthermore, a partnership between Innovent and Eli Lilly is focusing on Mazdutide, a dual-target drug that mimics both GLP-1 and glucagon, enhancing metabolism and fat burning. Lei anticipates that Mazdutide could receive approval from China’s drug regulator by the first half of 2025, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of obesity.
The introduction of these biosimilars and new drug formulations represents a transformative shift in the treatment of obesity, with the potential to make these life-changing medications accessible to millions more around the globe. As these developments unfold, the landscape of obesity treatment is set to change significantly, offering new hope and expanded options for those seeking to manage their weight effectively.
Read MoreSignificant link between obesity and cognitive decline revealed by Chinese research
A recent study conducted in China has established a significant connection between obesity and the deterioration of brain health, suggesting that individuals with obesity may suffer from a reduction in brain volume akin to the effects seen after 12 years of ageing.
Researchers from Tsinghua University and Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital undertook a comprehensive study spanning 16 years, during which they monitored the body mass index (BMI) and brain health of over 1,000 Chinese adults across various age groups. The findings of this research were derived from neuroimaging data, which highlighted a distinct association between obesity and several markers of cognitive decline. These markers include diminished brain volume, an increase in white matter lesions, and compromised microstructural integrity of the brain.
In the context of China’s health standards, an individual with a BMI exceeding 24 is categorised as having overweight, and obesity is defined at a BMI threshold of 28. The study, published in the journal Health Data Science, notes a critical finding: individuals under the age of 45 with a BMI over 26.2 exhibit brain volume reductions equivalent to the natural age-related decline observed over 12 years.
This research was spotlighted by the state media outlet Life Times, which stressed the study’s recommendation for younger individuals to maintain a BMI below 26.2 to safeguard their cognitive health. The report emphasised the absence of health benefits in being overweight, stating, “There is no healthy overweight person.”
The implications of obesity on brain health are not unique to China. A related study published in 2023 by a Lancet sub-journal, involving 10,000 participants from across Asia, corroborated these findings. This study illustrated that an increase of 0.27 kilograms in visceral fat correlates with 0.7 years of cognitive ageing for the average person.
Concerns are growing regarding the future health landscape of the Asia-Pacific region, as the authors of the study forecast a surge in dementia cases coinciding with increasing obesity levels and an ageing population. The region, which currently sees approximately 4 million new dementia cases annually—accounting for 40% of the global incidence—is also witnessing a rise in obesity rates that surpass the global average by about 7%.
A separate 2023 study, encompassing nearly 15.8 million adults from more than 240 Chinese cities, reported that 34.8% of the subjects had overweight and 14.1% were classified as having obesity. The study further noted a higher propensity for obesity and overweight conditions among men compared to women, with affected individuals more likely to suffer from health issues such as fatty liver disease, prediabetes, and hypertension.
Sun Dejin, a neurologist from Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, shared insights with Life Times regarding the severe impact of obesity on cognitive functions. According to Sun, obesity leads to notable cognitive impairments, including deteriorations in thinking, learning, and memory capabilities. He warned that if these cognitive declines are not addressed, they could progress to dementia, posing severe risks to overall health and well-being.
This body of research collectively underscores the critical need for managing obesity to mitigate its profound effects on brain health and cognitive function.
Read MoreStudy reveals kimchi’s role in combating obesity among South Koreans
In an insightful study featured in BMJ Open, the intricate link between the consumption of kimchi and obesity levels within the South Korean populace has been meticulously analysed. This research delves into the multifaceted relationship between diet and obesity, spotlighting the traditional Korean delicacy, kimchi, known for its low-calorie content yet high nutritional value, including an abundance of vitamins, dietary fibre, polyphenols, and probiotics.
Obesity, a burgeoning health crisis linked to a plethora of adverse health conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, and hyperlipidemia, has seen a steady rise in prevalence across South Korea. This trend accompanies a growing concern over abdominal obesity, further underscoring the urgency for effective public health strategies aimed at curtailing this epidemic. The escalating obesity rates have inevitably led to increased healthcare costs, highlighting the critical need for preventive measures.
Amidst growing concerns over kimchi’s contribution to dietary sodium intake, which a 2019-2020 survey pegged at 500 mg daily (accounting for 15% of total sodium consumption), the study embarked on exploring kimchi’s potential benefits. Despite the known risks associated with high sodium intake, including hypertension and obesity, previous investigations have suggested a positive correlation between fermented vegetables, such as kimchi, and reduced body weight, alongside improvements in cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
The current study leverages data from the expansive Health Examinees (HEXA) study, a part of a larger genetic and epidemiological research initiative aimed at uncovering the genetic and environmental determinants of chronic diseases in adults over 40. Initial assessments for HEXA were conducted between 2004 and 2013, with exclusions applied to individuals with a history of significant illnesses or lacking in reliable dietary or anthropometric data.
Utilising a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, the researchers assessed participants’ dietary intakes over the past year, focusing on various types of kimchi, including kkakdugi, dongchimi, baechu kimchi, and others. The study defined obesity based on a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m^2 and abdominal obesity as a waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 85 cm for women, incorporating a comprehensive questionnaire to gather additional demographic and lifestyle information.
The analysis involved categorising participants according to their kimchi intake levels and employing multivariable logistic regression to estimate the associations between kimchi consumption and obesity.
Involving 115,726 individuals, with an average age of 51.8 years and a majority being female, the study found an obesity prevalence of 28.2% overall. Notably, individuals indulging in five or more servings of kimchi daily exhibited higher weights and waist circumferences, alongside an increased likelihood of obesity and alcohol consumption.
Distinct patterns emerged between genders; men consuming significant amounts of kimchi tended to be younger, smokers, taller, and more physically active, while women with high kimchi intake were generally older, non-smokers, less active, post-menopausal, shorter, and married.
The study highlighted a nuanced relationship between kimchi consumption and obesity, indicating that moderate intake (one to three servings daily) was inversely associated with obesity risk in men. Specifically, a high intake of baechu kimchi significantly reduced the prevalence of both obesity and abdominal obesity among men, while women benefited from a moderate consumption level.
Furthermore, participants who consumed kkakdugi above the median quantity experienced lower rates of abdominal obesity, showcasing the differential impacts of various kimchi types on obesity metrics.
Despite some associations indicating higher obesity rates among those with excessive kimchi consumption, these findings were not statistically significant. The study also noted that higher kimchi intake correlated with increased consumption of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, sodium, cooked rice, and overall energy.
However, the study’s cross-sectional nature and its focus on a specific population limit the ability to draw causal connections and its applicability to broader demographics, respectively.
While this study doesn’t establish causation, it adds to the body of research supporting the inclusion of probiotic foods in the diet to promote gut microbiome diversity and subsequent weight management outcomes.
Read MoreStudy finds some 40% of Chinese children face obesity by 2030
A comprehensive study recently unveiled alarming projections that nearly 40% of Chinese children and adolescents are on track to have overweight or obesity by the year 2030 if current upward trends persist. This pressing issue has prompted calls from experts for immediate action to mitigate the looming health crisis, with proposed strategies including the implementation of a 20% levy on sugar-laden beverages.
The research, which was published in The Lancet Regional Health last month and conducted by a collaborative team from the School of Public Health at Peking University and the United Nations Children’s Fund, highlights the swift rise in obesity rates among the youth in China, pinpointing significant consequent health and financial repercussions.
The study’s forecasts paint a grim picture, estimating a staggering lifetime economic toll of 218 trillion yuan (approximately $31.6 trillion) from 2025 to 2092, attributable to the prevailing rates of obesity among children and adolescents in the absence of intervention strategies.
Zhou Maigeng, Deputy Director of the National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stressed that the economic strain posed by the increasing prevalence of children with overweight and obesity is often overlooked, as many related health complications have yet to manifest.
Alarm bells have already been sounded by data concerning adult obesity, which forewarns of the annual costs of chronic diseases linked to excess weight reaching 49 billion yuan by 2030, according to Zhou.
The upward trajectory of childhood and adolescent obesity in China has been startling, with prevalence rates soaring from a relatively modest 8.8% in 2000 to an estimated 37.9% in 2020—an increase of 400% over two decades. This surge has not only eclipsed the global average but also surpassed rates observed in certain Western and upper-middle-income nations. Without decisive action, researchers warn that these figures could exceed 60% by 2030.
In response to this growing public health concern, China has initiated several national interventions aimed at curbing the trend, focusing primarily on enhancing nutrition and physical activity within schools. The proposed introduction of a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, coupled with tighter restrictions on marketing unhealthy food products to children, has been identified as the most effective course of action.
This recommendation aligns with the World Health Organization’s guidance issued in December, urging nations to adopt or amplify existing taxes on sugary drinks as a measure to safeguard public health. The call to action is supported by evidence from countries like Mexico, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, where such fiscal policies have yielded positive outcomes.
Zhang Man, a researcher at Peking University, emphasised the importance of grounding policy decisions in scientific evidence and underscored the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of intervention impacts, suggesting adjustments based on observed results to enhance efficacy.
Read MoreVietnam and Australia join forces to accelerate digital health transformation
A pivotal conference in Hanoi, sponsored by the government, has recently brought together health authorities and experts from Vietnam and Australia. This gathering focused on exploring collaborative opportunities to enhance Vietnam’s digital healthcare infrastructure and capabilities.
The conference saw participation from the Vietnam Military–Civil Medicine Association, the Health Strategy and Policy Institute under the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, and the Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia.
The significance of this event lies in addressing the urgent need for Vietnam’s health sector to secure resources for its digital transformation. Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Tran Van Thuan, emphasised the importance of such advancements in improving patient access to medical services. He highlighted the potential role of international cooperation and assistance in achieving these goals.
Vietnam currently faces several challenges in its journey towards healthcare digitalisation, notably its underdeveloped IT infrastructure, which hampers the support for Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Additionally, there is a notable scarcity of funding to integrate new health technologies in medical facilities across the country.
Dr Tran Quy Tuong, chairman of the Vietnam Health Informatics Association, pointed out further obstacles, such as the shortage of IT skills and manpower and the lack of standardised protocols and guidelines for integrating data across various medical information systems.
The Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute from Swinburne University of Technology, which participated in the conference, is actively engaging in collaborations with governments and industry stakeholders. Their focus includes the management of patient health records among other digital health areas. However, there has been no formal announcement regarding a partnership between the research institution and the Vietnamese government.
In the broader context, Vietnam is aiming to establish smart healthcare by 2025 as part of its National Digital Transformation Programme. This initiative encompasses three key areas: smart disease prevention, smart medical examination and treatment, and smart health administration.
Vietnam commenced its healthcare digitalisation foundation in 2019 with the nationwide implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). While all public hospitals have adopted Health Information Systems (HIS), there is still progress to be made in integrating PACS, RIS, and LIS systems.
International collaborations have been crucial in introducing advanced technologies in Vietnamese healthcare. Earlier this year, IT giant Microsoft entered its first technology partnership in Vietnam, teaming up with VinBrain, a local AI healthcare company supported by Vietnam’s leading conglomerate Vingroup. Their collaboration focuses on three primary AI healthcare areas: data sharing, cross-product validation, and research and development.
Read MoreUK’s obesity challenge: Learning from Japan’s effective approach
In Japan, a unique festive tradition involving Colonel Sanders statues dressed as Santa Claus outside KFC branches marks the start of the Christmas season. This tradition, a result of a marketing strategy from the 1970s, has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions participating in the “KFC Special Christmas Dinner”. This period is significant for KFC Japan, contributing to a substantial portion of their annual sales.
This contrasts sharply with the UK, where traditional home-cooked Christmas dinners are preferred. However, the issue for the UK lies in the dietary habits adopted for the rest of the year. The British tendency towards unhealthy eating has led to an escalating obesity crisis, now costing the economy almost £100 billion annually and impacting productivity far more than previously estimated.
The report by the Tony Blair Institute indicates a worrying trend: two-thirds of the UK’s population are either overweight or have obesity, a figure that has risen by around 11% since 1993. The economic impact of obesity, including healthcare costs and reduced productivity, is projected to increase by an additional £10 billion in the next 15 years. Henry Dimbleby, the government’s former food advisor, highlights the dire consequences of this trend. He points out that by 2035, the costs of treating Type 2 diabetes alone could surpass the current expenditure on all cancer treatments within the NHS.
Comparatively, Japan stands out with one of the lowest obesity rates among developed nations, a mere 4%. This has not always been the case. In the 1960s, Japan was considered one of the least healthy countries in the G7, with a diet heavily reliant on cheap US food imports post-World War II. However, over the following decades, Japan underwent a dramatic cultural shift concerning food, resulting in the world’s highest life expectancy. This transformation demonstrates that obesity is an addressable issue, requiring a change in cultural attitudes towards food rather than reliance on medication.
In Japan, the “bukatsudō” programme plays a pivotal role in promoting physical activity among schoolchildren. This initiative, coupled with the provision of healthier school meals, has contributed to Japan’s low obesity rates among children. In contrast, recent NHS figures show concerning trends in the UK, with significant percentages of children categorised as having overweight or obesity from a young age.
The traditional Japanese diet, which includes fresh fish, small portions of meat, tofu, and vegetables, is inherently healthier than typical Western diets. Andrew Kojima, a celebrity chef, suggests that the UK could benefit from adopting Japanese dining philosophies such as eating until only 80% full and ensuring a variety of colours and types of food in meals.
In Japan, there is a lesser emphasis on snacking and takeaway food compared to the UK. The quality of institutional food in Japan is also notably healthier. Dimbleby recalls a stay in a Tokyo hospital, where meals included healthy options such as pickles, rice porridge, grilled fish, miso soup, and steamed vegetables. He argues that such changes are feasible in the UK without significantly increasing budgets.
Dimbleby’s charity, Chefs in Schools, aims to improve the quality of school meals across England and advocates for an inspection regime similar to Ofsted for school dinners. Another potential strategy is adapting Japan’s “metabo” law, which mandates waistline measurements for citizens aged 40 to 74, with counselling and incentives for those who do not meet the standards. This approach could be implemented in the UK through voluntary annual health checks in workplaces.
Despite the need for action, the UK government has shown reluctance to intervene effectively. The National Food Strategy’s recommendations have been largely overlooked, and proposed anti-obesity measures like junk food deal bans and advertising restrictions have been delayed. Campaigners are calling for the sugar tax on soft drinks to be extended, but there is little movement from the government.
The lack of government intervention and the influence of corporations promoting high-calorie foods mean the UK continues to struggle with an obesity crisis. As the report highlights, Britain urgently needs to adopt successful strategies like those in Japan to address both the public health and economic challenges posed by obesity.
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