China has been grappling with a significant obesity problem, with over 40% of men and 28% of women in the country classified as overweight or obese [475ca017]. A study conducted by researchers from the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital analyzed data from approximately 15.8 million participants across 243 cities in China. The study found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in the northern regions of the country, with Inner Mongolia, Shandong, and Hebei ranking among the top three provinces with the highest rates [475ca017].
The study also revealed that the prevalence of overweight peaked in males aged 50 to 54 and in females aged 65 to 69. On the other hand, the prevalence of obesity peaked in males aged 35 to 39 and in females aged 70 to 74. The most commonly reported complications associated with overweight and obesity were fatty liver disease, prediabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension [475ca017].
This rise in obesity rates in China can be attributed to lifestyle changes and increased consumption of high-energy foods. The country's obesity epidemic has led to a surge in demand for weight-loss interventions, including the off-label use of drugs like Ozempic. While Ozempic is officially approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in China, it is widely used off-label for weight loss. The drug has gained popularity among the Chinese elite and is often referred to as 'the internet celebrity weight loss drug' [474d5da2] [475ca017].
The demand for Ozempic in China has been so high that it has created a gray market for the drug, highlighting the challenges faced by Beijing in regulating the market. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, is seeking to expand the drug's use in China, potentially for weight loss. At the same time, Chinese firms are racing to develop low-cost alternatives to meet the growing demand for weight loss drugs in the country [474d5da2] [475ca017].
The obesity epidemic is not limited to China alone. It is a global problem that is affecting over 1 billion people worldwide, with rates surging in the developing world and among children. A study published in The Lancet reveals that one in eight people globally are obese, with the obesity rate quadrupling for children and adolescents [04d8ea61]. The World Obesity Atlas 2024 warns that by 2035, there could be 1.9 billion obese people worldwide [04d8ea61].
Worldwide, 1 billion people are now obese, according to a new study in medical journal The Lancet. The study analyzed changes in people being underweight and overweight between 1990 and 2022 in 200 countries. The report also provides estimates on the size and trajectory of the obesity economy, estimated worldwide excess calorie intake for 2023, and estimated worldwide wellness economy size and growth projections [f4af511a].
The causes of the obesity epidemic are multifaceted. Economic development, urbanization, sedentary behavior, and the unaffordability of nutritious food all contribute to the problem [04d8ea61]. Measures to tackle obesity include promoting breastfeeding, regulating food marketing, enforcing transparent food labeling, and encouraging physical activity in schools [04d8ea61]. The cooperation of governments, communities, and the private sector is necessary to address the obesity epidemic [04d8ea61].
New research reveals that certain adenoviruses, including Ad-37, can increase body fat without a corresponding increase in food intake. Previous studies have found that viruses can induce obesity in animals by altering their metabolism. The study focused on chickens as a model organism and conducted both in vivo and in vitro experiments to understand the effects of adenoviruses on fat accumulation. The results showed that Ad-37 significantly increased total body fat and visceral fat in chickens. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that Ad-31, Ad-36, and Ad-37 increased adipocyte differentiation and triglyceride accumulation. The study suggests that adenoviruses may influence fat cell development and metabolic signals that regulate fat storage and energy expenditure. However, the study is limited to animal models, and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of adenovirus infection on body fat. If adenoviruses are indeed contributing to the obesity epidemic, vaccines against these viruses could potentially reduce the risk of obesity. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex interplay of various influences on body weight beyond traditional risk factors like diet and exercise [f26161b8] [0bb52177].
A study conducted by the School of Chinese Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has found that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (fatty liver disease) have excessive production of a hepatokine called 'Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21)' in their liver, which may accelerate the growth of breast cancer tumors. The study provides scientific evidence supporting the traditional Chinese medicine theory of 'breast disease from liver dysfunction' and sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying TCM treatments for breast-related conditions. FGF21 is a protein secreted by the liver and its abnormal secretion has been associated with various cancers. The research team led by Dr. Chen Jianping found that mice with fatty liver disease exhibited overexpression and secretion of FGF21, which significantly accelerated the growth of mammary tumors. The team also found higher expression of FGF21 in tumor samples from patients with primary breast cancer, which was associated with higher rates of recurrence and mortality. The study highlights the importance of liver health in preventing breast cancer and supports the clinical application of the TCM theory of 'breast disease from liver dysfunction' in breast cancer management. The researchers plan to further investigate the connection between the liver and the breast to advance understanding and treatment of breast cancer.