March 4, 2026, is World Obesity Day, and this year's global theme is "8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity".
Obesity is no longer a mere body shape issue, but a chronic disease that the whole world is facing together, concerning the health of every family.
Li Chao, Director of the Weight Management Center at Hainan Chengmei Hospital and a Master of Nutrition, stated that the current rate of overweight and obesity among adults in China has exceeded 50%. Many people attribute obesity to "not being able to control their eating and not being able to get moving", but from a medical perspective, obesity is a chronic metabolic disease caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, metabolism, diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and environment.
On World Obesity Day and the Scientific Weight Management Health Seminar, Hainan Chengmei Hospital's Weight Management Center organized a joint action by experts from nutrition, exercise, traditional Chinese medicine, and other disciplines to help everyone overcome misconceptions about weight loss and master scientific weight control methods. They provided a comprehensive healthy weight loss program covering diet, exercise, regulation, and nourishment.
Event Time
March 5, 2026, 15:00–16:30
Event Location
Rest area, 2nd floor, Building 1, Hainan Cancer Hospital
The Hazards of Obesity
Director Li Chao explained that the hazards of obesity extend far beyond affecting appearance. It is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and various cancers. Data shows that when BMI is ≥28, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases by 4.3 times. Obesity also exacerbates the burden on organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, reduces quality of life, and increases the medical burden on families and society.
It is particularly alarming that obesity is increasingly affecting younger age groups. Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents not only hinder their growth and development but also lead to psychological issues such as low self-esteem and anxiety, and significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Li Chao emphasized that preventing obesity during childhood is far more effective than treating it in adulthood.
I. Recognize misconceptions: These weight loss beliefs are the most harmful to your body
Director Li Chao emphasized that health damage caused by incorrect weight loss is common in outpatient clinics, and people should try to avoid three major misunderstandings:
Blind dieting: eating only boiled vegetables and cutting out carbohydrates in favor of meal replacements, may lead to weight loss in the short term but actually results in muscle loss and dehydration, making it highly likely to regain the lost weight. Furthermore, it can also cause anemia, hair loss, menstrual disorders, and decreased metabolism.
Superstitious folk remedies: relying on diet pills, oil-removing pills, enzymes, acupuncture patches, etc., some of which contain prohibited ingredients that damage the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Focusing solely on body weight while neglecting body fat percentage and waist circumference can lead to a higher risk of being a "skinny fat" individual (with low muscle mass and high body fat) compared to ordinary obesity.
II. Scientific action: Obesity is preventable and treatable, with professional management being the key
Director Li Chao stated that obesity, as a chronic disease, requires long-term standardized management similar to that of hypertension and diabetes. The Weight Management Center of Hainan Chengmei Hospital adopts a multidisciplinary collaboration model to tailor solutions for different groups of people:
Accurate assessment: Identify obesity types and risks through body composition analysis, metabolic testing, and chronic disease screening.
Nutritional intervention: Without starvation or fasting, ensure a balanced intake of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins while controlling total calories.
Exercise prescription: Based on age, physical fitness, and underlying diseases, develop an aerobic + strength training plan that is gradual, safe, and effective.
Lifestyle adjustment: Regular sleep, relieve stress, and quit sugary drinks and processed foods high in oil and sugar.
Medical intervention: For individuals with moderate to severe obesity or comorbidities of multiple chronic diseases, standardized pharmacotherapy or metabolic surgery should be administered under the guidance of a doctor, and self-medication should be avoided.
III. 8 billion reasons to take action from today
The core message conveyed by this year's World Obesity Day is: everyone is the first responsible person for their own health.
Adults should regularly measure their BMI and waist circumference. A waist circumference of less than 90cm for men and less than 85cm for women is considered healthier.
Eat three meals regularly, order less takeout, drink less milk tea, and cook more at home.
Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week and reduce prolonged sitting.
Do not blindly try to lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, seek medical advice at a professional weight management clinic in a timely manner.
Reject body anxiety, do not discriminate against obese people, and jointly address obesity with science and kindness.
Obesity is not a personal failure, but a health issue that requires the entire society to face together.
On World Obesity Day 2026, let us act with 8 billion reasons, integrate weight management into our daily lives, and keep our health for ourselves and our families.
Li Chao, Master of Nutrition
Director of Weight Management Center
Medical expertise
Skilled in conducting precise and professional nutritional assessments and interventions for patients with diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and tube-fed patients; providing individualized and multi-modal nutritional treatment plans including dietary guidance, Tonic Diet, enteral nutrition, and parenteral nutrition.