{"id":62874,"date":"2025-05-13T14:52:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T06:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hncexpo.com\/?p=62874"},"modified":"2025-06-30T14:56:40","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T06:56:40","slug":"chinas-booming-weight-management-market-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hncexpo.com\/en\/2025\/05\/13\/chinas-booming-weight-management-market-2\/","title":{"rendered":"China’s Booming Weight Management Market: Outlook and Trends"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
China’s weight management market is booming, driven by health consciousness and rising incomes, with major and emerging players leveraging innovative strategies to meet diverse consumer needs despite regulatory and competitive challenges.<\/em><\/strong><\/p> China’s weight management market has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by a surge in health consciousness and evolving dietary habits. As more Chinese consumers prioritize their well-being, the demand for weight loss products and services, ranging from supplements and exercise equipment to diet foods and online programs, has soared. This burgeoning market is now a vital component of China\u2019s health and wellness industry.<\/p> In this article, we delve into the key trends shaping China’s weight management market, explore the strategies of major and emerging players, and examine the driving factors behind this growth.<\/p> Market overview<\/strong><\/p> China’s obesity rate has been rising rapidly in recent years. According to the Chinese BMI classification for overweight and obesity, 34.8 percent of the study population were overweight and 14.1 percent were obese in 2023.<\/p> The shift towards a higher-fat, less-healthy diet, characterized by increased consumption of meat, oil, sugar, and processed foods, has contributed significantly to this public health challenge.<\/p> Thus, addressing obesity through improved dietary habits and increased physical activity is crucial to mitigate associated health risks and focus on weight management.<\/p> In 2023, the value of China’s weight management market reached approximately RMB 618.54 billion (US$792.43), marking a 14.4 percent increase from RMB 540.46 billion (US$74.33 billion) in 2022.<\/p> This expansion is projected to continue, with the market anticipated to add more than US$9 billion from 2024 to 2029, according to a report by Bonafide Research.<\/p> Driving factors of market growth<\/strong><\/p> The weight management market in China has been on an upward trajectory due to several factors. Rising disposable incomes have empowered consumers to spend more on health and wellness products. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyles, largely driven by urbanization, has also contributed to the increasing demand for weight management solutions.<\/p> The surge in health consciousness among Chinese consumers has been a major driver of the weight management market. As awareness about the adverse effects of obesity and unhealthy habits grows, more individuals are seeking effective ways to manage their weight. Changing dietary habits, influenced by urban lifestyles and Western diets, have also led to a greater demand for weight management products. The rise in fast food consumption and high-fat, high-sugar diets has prompted consumers to look for healthier alternatives and weight management solutions.<\/p> Market segmentation and products trends<\/strong><\/p> The weight management market in China offers a diverse array of products and services to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Key macro-categories include:<\/p> Major players and strategies<\/strong><\/p> The weight management market in China is increasingly saturated, with a wide array of products and services competing for consumer attention. This crowded marketplace poses significant challenges for companies aiming to capture market share. Established brands have a strong and loyal customer base, creating formidable barriers for new entrants.<\/p> To succeed, businesses must develop innovative marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience. Differentiating through unique value propositions is essential. This could involve leveraging advanced technology, offering personalized services, or creating engaging and culturally relevant content tailored to Chinese consumers. Building brand recognition and trust is crucial for new players to gain traction and compete effectively in this dynamic market.<\/p> Key Chinese players include:<\/p> Meanwhile, international brands have also gained a considerable portion of the market, by diversifying their product offerings, such as:<\/p> Emerging players and innovations<\/strong><\/p> The market is also seeing a wave of new entrants who are leveraging technology and data analytics to introduce innovative solutions. For instance, digital health platforms are becoming increasingly popular, providing users with tailored meal plans, fitness routines, and progress tracking through mobile apps.<\/p> WeDoctor is a notable example of an emerging player making waves in the weight management market. As a digital healthcare service provider, WeDoctor offers personalized meal plans based on individual health data. Their platform integrates telemedicine, allowing users to consult with healthcare professionals and receive customized dietary recommendations. This approach not only enhances user experience but also ensures that weight management plans are tailored to individual health needs.<\/p> Consumer behavior and preferences<\/strong><\/p> Consumer behavior and preferences in China\u2019s weight management market are significantly shaped by social media trends, celebrity beauty standards, and a growing emphasis on health consciousness and sustainability.<\/p> Factors influencing purchase decisions<\/strong><\/p> Several factors influence Chinese consumers’ decisions and preferences when purchasing weight management products and services:<\/p> Shifts in consumer behavior: Sustainability and online shopping<\/strong><\/p> Sustainability is increasingly important to Chinese consumers, especially among those aged 18-34, who are willing to pay more for sustainable products. This trend is shaping the weight management market as consumers seek environmentally friendly options.<\/p> Meanwhile, the rise of online shopping has also transformed the market, offering convenience and a wide range of choices. E-commerce platforms make it easier for consumers to find products that meet their specific needs, further driving the growth of China’s weight management market.<\/p> Increased popularity of weight management drugs: The case of Ozempic<\/p> On January 26, 2024, China’s National Medical Products Administration approved Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus treatment for Type-2 diabetes, making it the first orally administered GLP-1 receptor agonist drug available in China. The active ingredient, semaglutide, is also used in the injectable drugs Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss.<\/p> The success of these drugs has spurred rapid growth in China\u2019s weight management market, which is projected to reach RMB 14.9 billion (US$2.1 billion) by 2030, with 33.9 percent of the population reported as overweight in 2023.<\/p> Ozempic\u00a0has become\u00a0particularly popular in China, with sales nearly doubling in 2023 to almost US$700 million. This growth is largely driven by the promotion of semaglutide by influencers on Chinese social media, where it is known as the \u201cinternet celebrity weight-loss drug.\u201d The high demand reflects the significant issue of obesity in China, which has the largest number of overweight or obese people globally.<\/p> Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are racing to meet this demand. Novo Nordisk is seeking to expand the use of Ozempic in China and expects its weight-loss drug Wegovy to be approved for sale this year. Eli Lilly also received approval in May 2024 for its Ozempic rival, Tirzepatide. Additionally, Chinese companies like Hangzhou Jiuyuan Gene Engineering are working on their own versions of these drugs.<\/p> Despite these efforts, demand still outstrips supply. Prices for Ozempic on platforms like Taobao have risen sharply, sometimes reaching RMB 1,000 (US$138), double the hospital price. This high demand has also led to a rise in counterfeit semaglutide products.<\/p> Chinese authorities are stepping up regulation to address these issues. In February 2023, they removed thousands of social media posts about weight-loss experiences with Ozempic. Police investigations into unregulated semaglutide products have resulted in arrests and convictions. As new drugs are approved, further state intervention is expected.<\/p> Government support and industry policies<\/strong><\/p> China’s fitness and weight management industry has seen substantial growth since the 1980s, evolving from the initial introduction of modern weight loss concepts to a widely embraced fitness culture. This transformation has been significantly driven by proactive government policies aimed at promoting national health and fitness.<\/p> In 2022, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council released\u00a0the Outline of the Strategic Plan for Expanding Domestic Demand (2022-2035)<\/em><\/strong>, which emphasized the need to implement a national fitness strategy, including the construction of a national trail system and the development of sports parks. It also promotes the growth of new sectors such as\u00a0online fitness and virtual competitions, while\u00a0encouraging public participation in winter sports.<\/p> In 2023, the National Development and Reform Commission, along with other government departments, introduced the\u00a0Action Plan for Promoting the Construction and Service Improvement of Outdoor Sports Facilities (2023-2025).<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0This plan focuses specifically on integrating facility construction, service enhancement, and industrial development to deepen the national fitness strategy and increase the supply of\u00a0high-quality outdoor sports.<\/p> In June 2024, the Chinese government launched a\u00a0three-year campaign to enhance public weight management<\/strong>. This campaign includes measures to create a supportive environment for weight management, improve public awareness and techniques, and promote healthy lifestyles. Key efforts involve encouraging employers to provide fitness infrastructure, promoting healthy canteens and restaurants, reducing high-salt, high-sugar, and high-fat foods on campuses, and ensuring students engage in daily physical activity.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Key takeaways<\/strong><\/p> The weight management industry in China is undergoing a transformative phase, fueled by increased health awareness, changing dietary habits, and rising disposable incomes. This growth is reflected in the proliferation of products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of health-conscious consumers. Major players like Herbalife, Nestl\u00e9, and Slimming World, along with emerging companies leveraging innovative technologies, are driving the market forward.<\/p> However, this rapid expansion comes with its own set of challenges. Regulatory hurdles, pricing pressures, and fierce competition from both domestic and international companies create a complex environment for businesses. Navigating these challenges requires a strategic approach that balances compliance, affordability, and innovation.<\/p> Opportunities abound in the form of new technologies and potential collaborations. Sensing and intervening devices, smart clothing, and digital healthcare services are reshaping how consumers approach weight management. Partnerships with innovative companies can enhance product offerings and expand market reach, providing a significant competitive advantage.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t Source: By Giulia Interesse, China Briefing<\/p> *Disclaimer: This article is for learning and communication purposes only and does not have any commercial use. The copyright belongs to the original author. If you have any question, please contact us in time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" China’s weight management market is booming, driven by health consciousness and rising incomes, with major and emerging players leveraging innovative strategies to meet diverse consumer needs despite regulatory and competitive challenges. China’s weight management market has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by a surge in health consciousness and evolving dietary habits. As … <\/p>\n