Drug Weight Weight Loss Becomes The Mainstay Of Chinese Citizens To Overcome Obesity

Weight-lowing drugs are the mainstay of Chinese citizens to overcome obesity (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

JAKARTA - A man surnamed Li, 58 years old weighing nearly 100 kilograms, became one of the first users of Semaglutide in China as a prescription drug to help lose weight. Previously, Li had known this active ingredient as part of treatment to regulate blood sugar levels.

When Wegovy, a Semaglutide-based drug for weight loss, was launched on the Chinese market in November, it immediately attracted public attention as a new innovation in fighting obesity.

Just a day after the launch, more than 40 eligible patients went to a hospital in Guangzhou for consultation, according to Dr. Wang Cunchuan, one of the doctors treating obese patients.

Based on clinical data, Wegovy can help patients lose an average weight of up to 17 percent after undergoing treatment for 18 months. Now, this drug is available as a prescription in hospitals and on a number of e-commerce platforms. Apart from Semaglutide, other drugs such as Orlistat are also available in the Chinese market as an option to treat obesity.

Obesity is a serious concern in China, as reflected in the newly released national guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of multidisciplinary obesity. These guidelines mark a major step in the Chinese government's efforts to address the increasing problem.

Official data shows that in 2020, more than half of China's adult population will be overweight or obese, and this figure is expected to increase to 65.3 percent by 2030.

Research from the Jiaotong Xi'an University Global Institute of Health published in The Lancet projects that in the same year, about 20 percent of China's total health spending will be used to deal with overweight and obese issues.

Dr. Li Xiaoying, director of the endocrinology department at the Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, stressed that obesity is the main trigger for various chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and several types of cancer. By controlling obesity, the risk of this disease can be minimized," he said.

The Chinese government's strategic steps also include a national campaign against obesity, the establishment of a weight management clinic in hospitals, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Commemoration of National Fitness Day every August 8 is also a momentum to increase public awareness of the importance of health.

In recent years, the trend of fitness and low-calorie foods has surged in popularity, reflecting people's growing interest in a healthy lifestyle. At the same time, China has approved four weight loss drugs in the last two years. Although referred to as a "magic drug" by some Western media, experts warn that these drugs are not instant solutions.

Dr. Luo Yingying of the Peaking University People's Hospital suggests combining treatment with lifestyle interventions, such as regular exercise and adequate sleep, for more effective results.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mu Yiming from China's PLA General Hospital emphasized that the focus of treatment must be on improving the patient's quality of life, not just lowering the body mass index.

Some patients report concerns about side effects and the risk of weight gain after stopping using drugs such as Wegovy. In many cases, milder gradual solutions may be more suitable for most patients.

In the end, the treatment of obesity aims to create a healthier and more quality life for patients. A balanced lifestyle, coupled with proper treatment, is the key to success in overcoming this problem.