A Chinese Innovation Opens New Horizons in Obesity Treatment

Chinese scientists have made a major breakthrough in the fight against obesity by developing a new drug, Mazdutide, which has shown remarkable effectiveness in reducing body weight and improving metabolic health indicators.

Professor Ji Linong, head of the research team and director of the Department of Endocrinology at Peking University People’s Hospital, stated that results from the Phase III clinical trials—recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine—demonstrate that the drug not only aids in weight loss but also helps improve cholesterol levels, reduce waist circumference, regulate blood pressure, and lower uric acid levels.

Xiao Rui-Ping, deputy editor-in-chief of the same medical journal, emphasized that this discovery strengthens China’s position at the forefront of nations leading locally developed obesity treatments.

According to medical reports, obesity poses a growing global health threat, with estimates suggesting that more than 50% of adults worldwide will be overweight or obese by 2050.

In China, obesity rates have more than doubled over the past four decades, exacerbating risks associated with conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer, while also reducing life expectancy.

In response to this challenge, both local and international pharmaceutical companies have intensified efforts to develop effective drug treatments. In 2024, Chinese health authorities included anti-obesity drugs in their official treatment guidelines, approving five medications so far, most notably Semaglutide and Orlistat, which are currently available in the Chinese market.

Despite their effectiveness, experts stress that drug therapies alone are not a complete solution. They must be combined with other strategies—such as lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and physical activity—to achieve sustainable results.

To support this approach, China has launched national campaigns, including the establishment of weight management clinics in hospitals, the publication of official dietary guidelines, and the implementation of mandatory daily physical education in schools. Furthermore, since 2008, the country has observed an annual National Fitness Day on August 8, reflecting its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles.

In summary, Mazdutide marks a promising step forward in tackling obesity, yet it remains part of a broader, integrated strategy requiring collective and individual efforts.