Weight Management Alone Not Enough? National Guidelines Urge Waistline Measurement

On March 7, a press conference focusing on public welfare was held during the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress. National Health Commission Director Lei Haichao announced the 2025 Healthy Weight Management Initiative, which encourages nationwide participation. Over 5,500 healthcare institutions have established specialized clinics to offer professional guidance and support for weight management. Many cities have expanded their network of health trails, while numerous hotels and households have equipped themselves with weighing scales. Some cafeterias have also begun labeling the calorie content of meals. Public awareness has increased regarding the recommended Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters, with adults advised to maintain a BMI between 19 and 24, and seniors below 27. Guidelines also suggest that waist circumference should generally be kept under 90 centimeters for adult men and 85 centimeters for women, with growing recognition of healthy body fat percentage ranges. The National Health Commission will continue to promote the Healthy Weight Management Initiative to further reduce the incidence and impact of chronic diseases.