How is rising obesity tackled in China and Europe?

Overweight and obesity are a growing problem in China but their causes may be differently viewed as a consequence of globalisation and the development of an obesogenic environment or as a consequence of an individual’s wellbeing. This paper explores these different explanations and the ways that the problem is addressed in Sino and European policy and TCM practice. The diagnosis of obesity and its treatment by herbs, acupuncture and auricular acupuncture are described but there is a lack of evidence for their efficacy. This paper argues that at an individual level, obesity can be linked to an unhealthy diet and eating practices and a lack of activity. Behavioural changes as well as TCM treatments that address the gastrointestinal digestive function may be effective. Obesity is, however, a complex and global issue that also needs to be recognised as a social problem where the environments in which people live and work will influence their ability to adopt healthier lifestyles.

This paper is based on a presentation given at the conference hosted by the Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine at London South Bank University on Health, Healthcare and Eco-civilisation, September 2015.