The global obesity crisis has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century.
According to 2022 data from the World Health Organization, over one billion people worldwide – roughly one in eight individuals – are now living with obesity. This number continues to rise and is predicted to reach 1.9 billion by 2035.
Obesity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. The World Obesity Federation warns that obesity-related illnesses could cost the global economy $4 trillion annually by 2035.
The Chinese mainland has stepped up policy efforts to boost public awareness and establish standardized clinical guidelines for obesity diagnosis and treatment.
In the Chinese mainland, over 50 percent of adults were overweight or obese as of 2020 data, totaling a staggering 600 million people – the highest figure globally.
Body mass index (BMI) is a common indicator used to assess if a person's weight is healthy for their height. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height squared in meters (kg/m²). In the Chinese mainland, a BMI of 24.0-27.9 kg/m² is deemed overweight, and 28.0 kg/m² or above is classified as obese.
\"If all these people were to seek treatment at hospitals, it would pose a significant challenge to the healthcare system,\" said Dr. Zhang Peng, director of metabolic and bariatric surgery at Capital Medical University Beijing Friendship Hospital.
\"Projections indicate that by 2030, 22 percent of the country's healthcare expenditures will be linked to obesity,\" he added.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
