If losing 28 kg in four months sounds like a tall order, one man on the Chinese mainland just proved it’s possible—and he’s not alone.
At a recent news conference alongside the annual gathering of national lawmakers in Beijing, Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission (NHC), unveiled plans to roll out more weight management clinics at medical and health facilities across the Chinese mainland. The March 11 announcement underscores the push for sustainable lifestyle changes nationwide.
It’s not the first time the NHC has sounded the alarm: a 2020 report revealed that 34.3 percent of adults were overweight and 16.4 percent were obese. Projections warn that by 2030, more than 65 percent of adults on the Chinese mainland could fall into these categories.
In June 2024, the NHC teamed up with other government departments to launch the Weight Management Year initiative. This three-year plan, part of the broader Healthy China strategy, aims to boost public health literacy, promote healthy habits and build environments that support long-term weight control.
The initiative has sparked a social media frenzy, with everyday people sharing before-and-after photos, workout challenges and meal-prep tips. Among the most inspiring is the journey of Gao Lilong, a 47-year-old marketing director from Tangshan in Hebei Province. Facing a busy work schedule, Gao carved out time for daily workouts and swapped his usual takeout for balanced meals. His four-month commitment helped him drop from 88 kg to a lean 60 kg.
Gao’s story shows how targeted support—from clinical counseling to online communities—can make big health goals feel achievable. As weight management clinics gear up to open nationwide, the Chinese mainland’s wellness wave offers valuable lessons for young global citizens seeking fresh perspectives on health, community and lasting change.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
