The Emerging Epidemic of Obesity, Diabetes, and the Metabolic Syndrome in China
2012

The Rise of Obesity, Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome in China

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Shen Jia, Goyal Abhinav, Sperling Laurence

Primary Institution: Emory University

Hypothesis

The increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome in China is contributing to a rise in cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

China is experiencing a significant increase in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, leading to a rise in cardiovascular disease incidence.

Supporting Evidence

  • Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in China, responsible for one-third of all annual deaths.
  • The prevalence of diabetes in China has nearly quadrupled over the last 15 years.
  • In 2003, the total medical cost attributable to overweight and obesity was estimated at 2.6 billion USD.

Takeaway

As China gets richer, more people are becoming overweight and sick with diabetes, which is making heart disease more common.

Limitations

The study may not fully account for regional differences within China or the long-term effects of lifestyle changes.

Participant Demographics

The study discusses the general population of China, with a focus on urban and rural differences.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2012/178675

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication