China is seeing the advent of the "slimming economy", with more consumers turning to expert nutritionists, fitness workouts and AI-driven smart devices to stay trim and healthy.

The National Health Commission, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and 16 other departments launched a three-year plan in June 2024 to curb the increase in body weight among the Chinese population and encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles.

In late 2024, the NHC released the guidelines for weight management, which predicted that if the current trends are not effectively controlled, overweight and obesity rates among Chinese adults and children are expected to reach 70.5 percent and 31.8 percent, respectively, by 2030.

Obesity is no longer just a matter of physical appearance — it has become a pressing health concern tied to lifestyle, environment and overlooked medical conditions.

"The government has encouraged hospitals to open weight management departments. This is to help people look at obesity scientifically, starting from the root causes, rather than just eating less or exercising more," said Fei Jian, deputy director of the Luwan Branch of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital.

Some patients, for instance, eat very little, but gain weight due to factors such as thyroid problems, lack of sleep, stress, and even a gut bacteria imbalance, which can all affect an individual's metabolism.

Fei said the first step in healthy weight management is understanding what drives weight gain. Skipping this crucial step, he warned, often leads to failed attempts at weight loss and maintenance.

"Endocrine disorders can make weight management harder: insulin resistance increases hunger and fat storage, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) promotes visceral fat, growth hormone deficiency reduces muscle and increases fat, and leptin resistance sustains obesity," he said.

Extreme fasting, crash diets, or weight-loss injections may yield quick results, but they can also trigger metabolic crises, electrolyte imbalances, acute pancreatitis, or heart arrhythmia problems.

"Losing more than 1.5 kilograms per week can harm muscles, the heart, and other organs, and very low body fat in women may cause menstrual problems. Safe weight loss is 0.5 to 1 kg per week, supported by gradual, science-based lifestyle changes," said Fei.

He advocates tracking calorie intake, prioritizing sleep to regulate hormones, and setting realistic goals.

"For those with obesity linked to medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or PCOS, personalized care is essential — sometimes involving medication or even surgery — alongside tailored nutrition and exercise guidance," said Fei.

The key to avoiding regaining weight lies in forming good habits, he said. "Long-term balancing of diet, exercise, and rest — supported by a healthy mindset — is what truly safeguards both weight and well-being," he said.

Fit for purpose

Fitness participation is rising, according to the 2024 China Sports and Fitness Industry Data Report.

As of December 2024, China had 87.5 million fitness club members, with active members averaging 5.32 visits per month, and short-term passes accounting for over 60 percent of purchases.

Wu Qingcheng's experience with weight loss offers an insight into the national trend. At 43, the coffee shop owner and fitness coach in Tianjin has experienced the challenge of balancing career demands with his health.

When Wu returned from Japan in 2009, his work in finance brought success, but also excess. Business banquets and irregular schedules pushed his weight from 60 kg to 80 kg. "The hardest part wasn't controlling my diet but maintaining a regular training routine amid an irregular work schedule," said Wu.

Over two years, he shed 10 kg, stabilizing his weight at 70 kg, which he has maintained. As he explored exercise routines and challenged himself, Wu realized fitness was more than building muscle.

"Physical training can bring real improvement to both me and others, and with my own experience, becoming a coach felt like a natural step," said Wu.

His approach reflects a shift from crash diets toward sustainable habits, and he emphasizes three basics: regular exercise, balanced meals, and rest.

"The first step is simply to move. For beginners, even a simple routine can work, but if you find it hard to stay motivated, try group classes — the atmosphere will push you forward," said Wu.

On diet, he advises weighing portions. "It gives you a real sense of what 'a portion' actually means and warns against blindly cutting calories," said Wu.

He prefers home cooking over light meals and cautions against demonizing carbohydrates. Crucially, he makes a distinction between losing weight and losing fat.

"People want quick results, but what's lost too fast often comes back just as fast, while gradual changes — from eating out to home-cooked meals, then tracking calories — help the body and mind adjust," said Wu.

Technology also plays a role. Wu uses a heart rate monitor and smartwatch, believing such tools provide "emotional encouragement" and support consistent results.