(P07-014-25) Body Weight Trends in China: A Shift Toward Heavier Adults, Regardless of Obesity Status

Objectives: The prevalence of obesity in China has been steadily increasing, yet there is limited attention given to changes in body weight among individuals of normal weight. This study aims to explore the trends in body weight changes among Chinese adults over time.

Methods: We analyzed data from 78,633 participants aged 18 to 60 years who took part in the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 1991 and 2018. Height was measured in centimeters with participants wearing light clothing, and weight was recorded in kilograms while participants were barefoot, following standardized protocols. Overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25, and obesity was defined as a BMI of ≥ 30. Participants were interviewed in person. Generalized linear regression models were used to analyze and predict changes in body weight over time.

Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity rose from 11.6% (9.0% in men and 13.9% in women) in 1991 to 38.4% (43.5% in men and 34.4% in women) in 2018. The average height increased from 165.7 cm to 168.7 cm in men and from 154.9 cm to 157.7 cm in women over the same period. For men with an average height (167.0 cm), body weight increased by 2.8 kg, from 58.8 kg to 61.6 kg among those of normal weight, and by 2.9 kg, from 74.8 kg to 77.7 kg among those with obesity. For women with an average height (157.0 cm), body weight increased by 1.3 kg, from 52.6 kg to 53.9 kg among those of normal weight, and by 1.4 kg, from 66.9 kg to 68.3 kg among those with obesity. In women, body weight increased rapidly between 1993 and 2000 and again between 2009 and 2018, with a period of little change between 2000 and 2009. In contrast, body weight in men steadily increased throughout the entire study period.

Conclusions: Adults in China are becoming heavier, especially men, regardless of their obesity status. The patterns of weight change differed between men and women, with men experiencing a more consistent increase in body weight over time.

Funding Sources: The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD R01 HD30880), National Institute on Aging (NIA, R01 AG065357), the National Institute for Health (NIH).