What is the current status of obesity in China?

According to the article, obesity is China's 6th leading risk factor in disability and death, and the rate of overweight or obese individuals is projected to surpass 65% by 2030.

Why are Chinese doctors calling for national insurance coverage of weight-loss drugs?

Doctors say the high cost of these medications, which can be up to 50% of a patient's annual salary, is straining the healthcare system and deterring many from seeking treatment.

How could subsidizing obesity drugs benefit China's healthcare system?

Endocrinologist Shao Xinyu believes that including weight-loss medications in the national medical insurance scheme could "help patients, help considerably more impoverished patients to persevere" in their treatment.

Home / Health / China Doctors Advocate for Obesity Drug Coverage to Tackle Growing Crisis

China Doctors Advocate for Obesity Drug Coverage to Tackle Growing Crisis

14 Nov

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Summary

Obesity is China's 6th leading risk factor for disability and death
Weight-loss drugs can cost up to 50% of a patient's annual salary
Doctors call for national insurance coverage to improve access

China Doctors Advocate for Obesity Drug Coverage to Tackle Growing Crisis

In the lead-up to 2025, China's obesity crisis is expected to worsen, with the rate of overweight or obese individuals projected to surpass 65% in the world's second-most populous country. This growing health concern has prompted some doctors to publicly advocate for national insurance coverage of weight-loss drugs, which they believe could help reduce the prevalence of obesity.

Obesity is currently China's sixth leading risk factor in disability and death, yet the cost of long-term weight-loss medications remains a significant barrier for many patients. A year's supply of a weight management drug can cost up to 35,040 yuan, or around 50% of the average annual wage for urban private-sector employees. This high price tag is straining the healthcare system and causing many to hesitate in using the drugs for an extended period.