Analysis: China’s Economic Malaise Linked to Rising Obesity Rates by Reuters

By Farah Master and Andrew Silver

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI – As China constructs fewer homes and bridges, its consumers are increasingly turning to cheaper, less nutritious meals. At the same time, automation in factories and farms is on the rise, creating a new fiscal challenge: the potential rapid increase in the country’s obesity rates, which could escalate healthcare costs significantly.

In urban areas, factors like job stress, extended work hours, and poor dietary choices are contributing to obesity, while rural communities are seeing a decline in physically demanding agricultural work alongside inadequate healthcare that fails to address weight issues effectively.

China is grappling with a dual challenge affecting its weight crisis. As the economy modernizes with technological advancement, many jobs have shifted to desk-bound roles, and a sustained economic slowdown is pushing consumers towards more affordable, unhealthy food options. For instance, numerous workers have transitioned from construction and manufacturing roles to positions in ride-sharing and delivery services.

In a deflationary context, the preference for cheaper meals often leads families to opt for unhealthy options. Recreational activities, such as swimming or sports classes for children, are also being cut back. The fast-food market in China is projected to reach 1.8 trillion yuan by 2025, increasing significantly from 892 billion yuan in 2017.

"Economic downturns often lead to lifestyle changes," noted Yanzhong Huang, a global health expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. He explained that irregular dietary habits and reduced social engagements could lead to heightened obesity rates and related health issues, including diabetes, placing additional strain on the healthcare system.

In July, Guo Yanhong, a senior official with the National Health Commission (NHC), characterized obesity and overweight issues as a "major public health concern." Reports indicated that over half of the adult population in China is currently classified as obese or overweight, which surpasses previous estimates from the World Health Organization.

Research estimates that the financial burden of weight-related healthcare could rise to 22% of the health budget, amounting to 418 billion yuan by 2030, a significant increase from 8% in 2022. This growing cost will further pressure local governments, hampering their ability to allocate resources toward more productive growth initiatives.

In response to this crisis, the NHC and 15 other government departments initiated a public awareness campaign in July aimed at combating obesity. The three-year campaign is centered around eight key principles, including maintaining a balanced diet, encouraging physical activity, and promoting good sleep hygiene.

Health guidelines were disseminated to schools advocating for regular health screenings, daily exercise, the hiring of nutritionists, and the adoption of healthier eating practices, such as reducing salt, oil, and sugar intake.

According to the WHO, a person is considered overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher, while a BMI of 30 or more classifies someone as obese. Currently, only 8% of the Chinese population is classified as obese, markedly lower than the rates observed in the United States.

China’s relatively recent struggle with obesity is primarily due to its historical context of widespread famine, particularly during the 1960s. As stated by health policy analyst Christina Meyer, the nation is undergoing an epidemiological shift that transitions from dealing with under-nutrition to facing challenges associated with poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles.

As the economy rapidly urbanizes, health professionals express concern that many overweight individuals may progress to obesity. Economic downturns and declines in income could lead consumers to choose lower-quality, unhealthy food options, exacerbating the obesity challenge.

China’s efforts to enhance urbanization, coupled with its demanding work culture, raise additional concerns. Reports suggest that some individuals resort to eating as a stress-relief method due to their work environments.

Statistics reveal a drastic increase in obesity rates among children; for instance, the percentage of obese boys surged from 1.3% in 1990 to 15.2% in 2022, while the rate for girls rose from 0.6% to 7.7% during the same period.

Many students are buying unhealthy snacks, often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, near their schools. Experts advocate for stronger communication efforts between the government and food companies, schools, and communities regarding the obesity risks linked to junk food and sugary beverages.

Health professionals are calling for significant measures, such as banning the sale of junk food and sugary drinks in schools, and establishing restrictions on the proximity of junk food outlets near educational institutions.