Zhejiang integrates weight management into disease prevention
Zhejiang province is taking a coordinated approach to weight management as part of its broader public health agenda. Fifteen provincial government departments have jointly launched an implementation plan to promote healthy weight as a foundation for chronic disease prevention.
The Health Commission of Zhejiang Province established a provincial weight guidance center at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with the Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The center aims to help medical institutions across the province develop multidisciplinary weight management clinics and services.
The province is expanding its model chronic disease prevention zones and encouraging healthy living through built environments.
To date, 11,462 supportive health spaces — including fitness-friendly workplaces and parks — have been developed. Over 2,900 community gyms have been built, and all public sports facilities, including those at schools and government units, are now open to the public free or at low cost.
To make weight monitoring easier, Zhejiang is installing smart height and weight scales in outdoor spaces such as walking trails and greenways.
Hospitals are also contributing. Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital has launched a series of healthy meals featuring high-quality protein, low-GI carbohydrates, and fiber-rich ingredients, combining nutrition, satiety, and taste.
Meanwhile, the province has been training a large volunteer force to support this effort, with 11,000 nutrition advisors, 200,000 healthy lifestyle coaches, and 181,000 certified fitness instructors already active across communities.