World Obesity Day in China: Millions participate in ground-breaking events and research

Millions attended World Obesity Day events organised by the Obesity Prevention and Control Branch of the Chinese Nutrition Society (OPC-CNS) and the Global Health Institute (GHI) of Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU).

Among the events organised by OPC-CNS, a World Obesity member, were the 2024 World Obesity Day China Summit, the Symposium of International Obesity Prevention and Treatment Strategies, and the launch of the 2024 Obesity Atlas in Mandarin.

Further to the many events organised, WOD 2024 saw the release of research findings on major risk factors for obesity in Chinese adults and children, an announcement of the 10 important achievements on obesity research in 2023 in China, the introduction of a special issue of the Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine on obesity research, and various public health education and community services to promote obesity prevention and control.

World Obesity Day China Summit

The Summit held on 3 March brought together some 30 domestic and international speakers to discuss challenges faced nationally and internationally in the area of obesity prevention and treatment, with support from WHO, World Obesity, IDF and China's National Health Commission, among others.

More than one million people watched the Summit series, which was broadcast by national media and aims to support the Healthy China goals set by the Chinese administration. Presentations covered a range of approaches to obesity prevention, as well as international institutional perspectives from WHO's Dr Francesco Branca and others.

Reflecting a focus on children's health set by the Chinese administration, experts shared research findings on risk factors for childhood obesity, and interpreted dietary guidelines for children and adolescents. This event also saw the announcement of key results from the Chinese translation of the 2024 World Obesity Atlas, key findings from studies on obesity risk factors in China, and more.

Symposium of International Obesity Prevention and Treatment Strategies

The following day, 4 March, the Symposium of International Obesity Prevention and Treatment Strategies was successfully held. The seminar featured 15 specially invited experts and over 460,000 online attendees.

During the event, Professor Youfa Wang introduced the International Obesity Prevention and Treatment Strategy Research Report completed by his team. The study systematically reviewed the obesity prevention and treatment strategies and systems of WHO, World Obesity, and others. Following analyses of multiple countries’ obesity management policies and practices, consultations were carried out on obesity prevention and treatment in China, resulting in a report with policy recommendations.

Importantly, participants suggested that China should recognise obesity as a separate disease on the national health agenda, establish a policy system that covers the whole lifecycle of obesity prevention and treatment, and strengthen the construction of diagnosis, treatment, and medical insurance capabilities for obesity.

Congratulations to all members and researchers in China involved in these landmark events and publications. To view full details, please click here.