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China’s National Health Commission has introduced its first comprehensive guidelines aimed at standardizing the diagnosis and treatment of obesity. This initiative comes in response to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obese individuals in the country.
According to the guidelines, obesity is classified as an independent disease and a significant contributor to various chronic health issues, making it a pressing public health concern in China. It is identified as the sixth leading risk factor for both death and disability in the nation.
The guidelines offer extensive protocols covering various aspects of obesity management, including clinical nutrition, medication therapies, surgical options, and behavioral and psychological interventions. They also emphasize the importance of exercise in treating obesity, along with ensuring the safety and quality of medical care while safeguarding patients’ health rights, as highlighted by Zhang Zhongtao, director of the committee responsible for drafting the guidelines.
Experts note that the majority of obesity cases stem from unhealthy lifestyle choices. They advocate that the key to addressing this issue lies in promoting a healthy lifestyle, which encompasses a balanced diet and regular physical activity to maintain weight within a healthy range.