China and obesity

Our work in China and obesity

• 2 September 2008
  'China too must confront obesity' according to Institute researchers
• 21 May 2007
  Parents and schools, major factors in China obesity boom

Quick stats

Deaths from cardiovascular diseases in China are likely to rise to four million per year by 2020.

One-sixth of the Chinese population (215 million individuals) are overweight.

In China, more than 20% of children aged seven to 17 in big cities are now overweight or obese.

It is estimated that over the next 10 years (2006-2015), China will lose $558 billion in foregone national income due to the combination of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Our experts

"We have demonstrated that the risk factors are the same in China as in developed countries, but the solutions must be specific to China if they are to be effective, because the risk factors are rooted in its unique culture, economy, social and political environment, and publich health system."
- Professor WU Yangfeng