China's National Health Commission has introduced its first-ever guidelines aimed at standardizing the diagnosis and treatment of obesity. This milestone comes as the country faces a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals.
According to the newly released guidelines, obesity is now recognized as an independent disease and a major contributor to multiple chronic conditions. It ranks as the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability in China, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions.
The guidelines provide detailed protocols in several areas, including clinical nutrition, medication therapy, surgical treatment, behavioral and psychological interventions, and exercise programs. These measures are designed to ensure the safety and quality of medical care while safeguarding the health rights of patients.
Zhang Zhongtao, director of the guideline drafting committee and deputy head of Beijing Friendship Hospital, emphasized the importance of these regulations in addressing the obesity epidemic. \"By standardizing treatment approaches, we can better manage obesity and reduce its impact on public health,\" he stated.
Experts agree that unhealthy lifestyles are the primary cause of most overweight and obesity cases. They advocate for maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity as fundamental strategies to keep weight within a healthy range and prevent obesity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
