ALL major hospitals must establish weight management clinics by June 30 this year, according to a joint notice issued Thursday by the National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The directive applies to all general, pediatric, and TCM hospitals under the direct administration of national and provincial health authorities. Additionally, other tertiary hospitals — the highest tier in China’s three-tier hospital system — are encouraged to set up such clinics.

Official data reveals that over 50% of Chinese adults aged 18 and older are overweight or obese, while nearly 20% of children and adolescents aged six to 17 fall into the obese category.

Excess weight is a significant risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The notice specifies that weight management clinics should be staffed by specialists in pediatrics, general practice, endocrinology, nutrition, psychiatry and psychology, cardiovascular medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, rehabilitation, and TCM.

Hospitals with strong capabilities are encouraged to go further by establishing obesity prevention and control centers, including inpatient services.

Meanwhile, grassroots clinics will receive support to open weight management clinics, focusing on raising awareness, providing follow-up care, health management services, and facilitating referrals to larger hospitals.

The document also encourages hospitals to leverage internet technologies, artificial intelligence, and wearable devices to enhance patient monitoring and guidance.

(SD-Agencies)