Weight loss drugs should be included in country's national insurance coverage according to some doctors in China. Obesity is listed as sixth leading risk factor in disability and death in China.
According to a news report by Reuters the rising numbers of obese Chinese and the high cost of weight loss drugs compounds the problem. The Chinese medical community is of the opinion that unhealthy meals and stressful or less physically demanding jobs will cause the rate of overweight or obese people to surge to over 65% by 2030.
Obesity has gained significant national attention in recent times and China's national nutrition and health steering committee in May this year had released a set of dietary guidelines aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among the population and addressing the country's growing obesity problem.
The Chinese government in October 2024 had introduced its first set of guidelines to standardise the diagnosis and treatment of obesity. Yet it has not planned as yet to include weight-loss drugs in the national medical insurance scheme.
China's National Health Commission in 2024 had launched public awareness campaign to fight obesity. The campaign is set to continue for three years and is built around eight slogans: "lifelong commitment, active monitoring, a balanced diet, physical activity, good sleep, reasonable targets and family action.