China’s medical community is sounding an urgent alarm as obesity rates surge across the nation. Doctors and public health experts are calling for weight-loss medications to be included under the country’s national medical insurance scheme, arguing that the cost of such drugs is currently far beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.
Obesity has already become the sixth-largest contributing factor to disability and mortality within China, according to national health data. With the nation witnessing a steady rise in sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie diets and stressful work patterns, experts warn that the situation could spiral into a public health crisis within a decade.
A report from Reuters notes that the combination of a rapidly increasing obese population and the high cost of modern weight-loss drugs has created a challenging environment for effective obesity management. Many frontline doctors believe the government must intervene swiftly. Without broader access to medically approved weight-loss treatments, they argue, China risks being overwhelmed by obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and mobility disorders.
Medical researchers predict that the proportion of overweight or obese Chinese residents could exceed 65% by 2030, driven by unhealthy eating patterns and a shift towards less physically demanding occupations. Such a dramatic rise would place immense pressure on China’s healthcare infrastructure and significantly increase long-term medical expenditure.
In recognition of the growing threat, obesity has become a major topic of national discussion. In May this year, China’s National Nutrition and Health Steering Committee released updated dietary guidelines designed to help citizens adopt healthier meals, regulate portion sizes and avoid excessive consumption of processed foods. These guidelines also emphasise the importance of physical activity and sleep for maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Furthermore, in October 2024, the Chinese government published its first set of standardised guidelines for diagnosing and treating obesity. This marked an important step towards improving clinical consistency across hospitals. However, despite these advances, the authorities have not yet announced any plans to incorporate weight-loss drugs into the national insurance system.
To strengthen preventive measures, China’s National Health Commission launched a comprehensive public campaign against obesity in 2024. The three-year initiative aims to educate citizens, particularly young people and families, about healthier living. The campaign is centred around eight motivational slogans promoting lifelong commitment, balanced eating, regular physical exercise, proper sleep and achievable health targets.
Supporters of insurance coverage argue that these awareness campaigns, while valuable, will not be enough without providing citizens access to effective medical treatment options. As China continues to modernise and urbanise, lifestyle-related diseases are expected to climb. Many doctors insist that weight-loss drugs must be treated as essential tools in preventing a much larger health crisis in the future.