The status and trends of obesity in China

China has witnessed a rapid economic growth over the past two decades and, as the result, the living standard of the Chinese population improved continuously. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased consistently in both adults and children during this period of time. The increased prevalence of obesity is associated with the increased affluence, and intense process of urbanization and less active lifestyles. To review the epidemiological information on prevalence of overweight and obesity and drawing up recommendations for developing public health policies and programs for improving the prevention and management of obesity is urgent, because it is already evident that the public health profiles in China are changing dramatically and the risks associated with excess weight gain are particularly profound.