National childhood obesity-related intervention systems and intervention programs in China in 1949 to 2020: A narrative review

Objective: This review examines main government and nongovernmental institutions for childhood obesity prevention and control in China, as well as major national interventions for childhood obesity. Methods: PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, official websites of national governments and professional institutions/associations, Baidu.com, and Google.com were systematically searched in March 2020 to April 2020. A total of 20 international and national experts on childhood obesity were surveyed. Results: “Government-led multisector cooperation” obesity-related intervention systems have been formed. National-level interventions were mainly implemented by the Chinese State Council and its administrative departments, along with national professional institutions/associations. Provincial, municipal, and county governments and their subordinate departments coordinated local works. Actions taken by these sectors to fight childhood obesity included developing and implementing regulations and laws, health standards and practice guidelines, surveillance for obesity and related determinants, governmental budget and research funds, and interventions. A total of 14 major national childhood obesity-related interventions were found: comprehensive interventions (e.g., “Healthy Lifestyle for All campaign,” 2007), diet and nutrition (e.g., “Chinese Rural Compulsory Education Student Nutrition Improvement Program,” since 2011), and physical activity (e.g., “Happy 10 Minutes Program,” 2006). Conclusions: Although obesity-related intervention systems and national interventions were implemented, more efforts and stronger government leadership and commitment are needed.