Hello TWOC readers!
In 1992, just 20 percent of China’s population was overweight or obese. Fast forward 30 years and that figure has reached 56 percent, creating an estimated 1 trillion yuan economic burden on the country each year—and without intervention, the costs are expected to keep rising.
Weight is no longer treated simply as a personal matter, but as a public health challenge requiring a broader, more systemic response. Government agencies, health platforms, and private businesses are increasingly working together to tackle the country’s weight problem. In this issue, we explore how effective these measures have been: the Healthy China campaign aims to create a supportive environment for weight control by 2030; digital platforms are turning weight loss into a game of goals, check-ins, and rewards; and weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are becoming increasingly popular.
Support our in-depth, on-the-ground reporting from China by purchasing our latest issue!
Here’s a sneak peek into the magazine. Find more exclusive stories from our website:
👇👇👇
Weight of the Nation: China Rethinks its Approach to Obesity
With more than half of Chinese adults now overweight, hospitals, health platforms, and the government are exploring new ways to get people in shape. Read More
Spoiled for Choice: Can Live-Action Games Become More than Drama with Buttons?
China’s new wave of cinematic games is putting players inside the screen, but many titles are still figuring out how to put them in control. Read more
The Rise, Decline, and Transformation of University Majors in China
As China’s university majors are increasingly reshaped around national strategy, technological progress, and industry needs, what happens to the students and teachers whose fields are left behind—and what are the prospects for those entering this new academic world? Read more
What We’re Reading
It Was a Good Day | Short Story
The wind was strong, and the air was full of the stench of burning coal. She was halfway down the stairs when she heard the voice: “Are you Dr. Zheng Baixin?” Read more
What’s in the News
LV vs. Molly Tea: Who Owns a Thousand-Year-Old Flower?
How a trademark case between a French luxury giant and a Chinese milk tea chain became a national argument over who can use an ancient motif. Read more
Buy Our Latest Issue
“Obesity is not simply about being unable to control your appetite or lacking self-discipline.” In this issue, we explore how this shift in understanding has pushed China to adopt a more systemic approach, with government, health platforms, and private businesses working together to tackle the country’s weight problem. Support on-the-ground reporting from China—get your copy today!