Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

TheMKS sports recent announcement by China's National Health Commission (NHC) that it would intensify a three-year "weight management" campaign has sparked nationwide enthusiasm, reflecting a positive institutional response to the escalating global public health crisis posed by obesity and chronic diseases. 

The campaign, spearheaded by the NHC, aims to popularize healthy lifestyles and enhance the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, a move that has resonated deeply with the public. 

Over past years, China has witnessed an upward trend in the morbidity rate of its overweight and obese population, according to the NHC. As an independent disease and major causative factor for multiple chronic diseases, obesity has become a major public health issue in China, ranking as the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability in the country.

As citizens flood social media with healthy recipes and fitness routines, this state-led initiative transcends mere policy rhetoric, embodying a uniquely Chinese approach to tackling complex health challenges through systemic coordination and grassroots engagement.  

One of the key strengths of this campaign is its people-centered approach. It emphasizes individual responsibility and self-management, as exemplified by the story of Liu Caizhen, a 65-year-old woman who overcame health challenges through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Liu told the Global Times that she had once been troubled by a low immune cell count and poor physical condition, so she resolutely embarked on a journey of self-health management, adopting a dual-pronged approach of diet and exercise to improve her health.

By adhering to principles of light seasoning, high fiber and easy digestibility, Liu used healthy cooking methods such as steaming, boiling and stir-frying to improve her condition. 

"This not only preserved the natural flavors of the ingredients but also maximized their nutritional absorption," Liu said, adding that her dedication has led to significant improvements in her immune cell levels and overall vitality.

The campaign's innovative promotional strategies have played a crucial role in its success. 

The "2024 adult obesity dietary guidelines" published by the NHC, dubbed the "national weight-loss manual," have gone viral for their practicality. The guidelines offer practical dietary advice tailored to different regions, taking into account local food preferences and nutritional needs. 

For example, the spring menu for Northeast China includes dishes like iron pot stewed fish and vegetable wraps, complete with detailed energy content.

The government has employed a variety of creative methods to make the campaign more relatable and engaging. 

Olympic champions such as China's star sprinter Su Bingtian and swimmer Zhang Yufei have been enlisted as advocates, bringing professionalism and authority to the cause. 

In addition, the development of WeChat stickers and AI-driven dietary apps has further enhanced the campaign's accessibility and appeal, making healthy living concepts more approachable for the general public.

The campaign's comprehensive nature is another standout feature. Media has reported that it involves a collaborative effort by 16 departments, covering all population groups and life stages. 

"China's unique advantage in promoting healthy lifestyles in the public health domain lies in its national system and grid-based governance," Zhu Yi, an associate professor at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, told the Global Times.

She pointed out that using weight as a focal point and rolling out a new system for mobilizing resources nationwide policies on a national scale is conducive to better promoting public health.

"By engaging the entire population and building social consensus, China is providing a 'Chinese approach' for chronic disease prevention and control in other countries and regions around the world," Zhu said. 

Kelly Castro De Araujo, a Brazilian student studying in Beijing, told the Global Times that Brazilian people are very curious about Chinese medicine, food and culture in general, and as an international student here, she has been amazed by the diversity and health benefits of Chinese cuisine. 

"I think Chinese food itself like yin'er fungus [tremella] has a lot of health benefits; red jujube helps with the cardiac system; green tea has a lot of antioxidants, which can make your body and skin younger," she said.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn