Let’s Get Physical

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) released its first guidelines to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of obesity, to address concerns over the rising rate of obesity in the world’s second-most populous country, Reuters reported.

The new guidelines include guidance and regulations, such as clinical nutrition, behavioral and psychological interventions, and prescribed exercise for obesity.

The commission said the regulations come as China is facing an upward morbidity trend of its overweight and obese population: Currently, more than half the population is overweight with officials warning that the rate will likely top 65 percent by 2030.

“Obesity has become a major public health issue in China, ranking as the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability in the country,” according to the new guidelines.

Local media, health professionals and academics explained that the rising trend could be attributed to the improvement of living standards in the country: More jobs are becoming sedentary and desk-bound, while agricultural work is becoming less physically demanding.

Others added that job-related issues, such as stress and long hours, coupled with an economic slowdown that means people are choosing cheaper and more unhealthy food have also contributed to the increasing obesity rate.

For centuries, China struggled to feed its population and under-nourishment was a major concern for many families. Then in the late 1970s, China embarked on economic reform following the death of leader Mao Zedong.

The guidelines come a few months after the NCH and 15 other government departments launched a three-year public awareness campaign to combat obesity.

Officials also distributed health guidelines to primary and secondary schools, urging regular screenings, daily exercise, consultations with nutritionists and creating measures for the adoption of healthier eating habits, including cutting down on salt, oil and sugar.