At the recent 2025 Obesity Prevention and Control Conference in Xining, Qinghai, China, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) President Professor Peter Schwarz delivered a powerful virtual address calling for urgent and coordinated action against the twin pandemics of diabetes and obesity.
Citing figures from the 11th edition of the Diabetes Atlas, Professor Schwarz highlighted that 13.8% of Chinese adults aged 20–79 are now living with diabetes, with medical costs exceeding 168 billion USD annually—approximately 1,100 USD per person. He identified obesity as a key driver, responsible for 43% of type 2 diabetes cases globally, and noted the disturbing rise in type 2 diabetes in childhood, strongly linked to increasing obesity rates.
People living with obesity have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While weight loss can help reduce these risks, diet and exercise alone cannot entirely prevent them. Effective obesity treatment is now considered central to managing diabetes rather than merely supplementary. With the availability of new therapies capable of achieving weight loss of 15% or more, it is possible to improve — and in some cases even reverse type 2 diabetes.
Professor Schwarz introduced the International Diabetes Federation’s Global Clinical Practice Recommendations for Managing Type 2 Diabetes. These recommendations outline two-level key levels of care focused on weight management type 2 diabetes care. He also stressed the importance of strategies that incorporate physical activity, nutrition and diabetes education for prevention.
International collaboration at the heart of China’s leading obesity conference
The conference, themed “Obesity Prevention and Control – Digital Health – Disparities Health Elimination,” welcomed over 500 participants in person and reached more than 1.2 million online viewers through major platforms like People’s Daily and Sina News.
Organised by the Obesity Prevention and Control Section of the Chinese Nutrition Society alongside Xi’an Jiaotong University’s Global Health Institute and the Qinghai Nutrition Society, and supported by the International Diabetes Federation, World Obesity Federation, and UNICEF China, the event featured over 100 experts and institutional representatives from around the world. The event fostered dynamic discussions and collaborations that focused on advancing public health and supporting the Healthy China 2023 strategy.
Established in 2021, the Obesity Prevention and Control Section remains a leading force in research and public awareness in China. This year’s conference further strengthened international cooperation and underscored a shared commitment to building a healthier global future.
