China
Upper-middle income
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Economic impact
- Policies
- Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *7/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *6/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Oesophageal cancer
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Cancer of the uterus
Raised blood pressure
Raised cholesterol
Raised fasting blood glucose
Diabetes prevalence
Ovarian Cancer
Leukemia
Liver & bile duct cancer
Mulitple Myeloma
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Thyroid Cancer
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Economic impact
Policies
Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2018-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 155413 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Chinese Cut Offs applied |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-59 |
| Sample size: | 6602 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Huang, Q., Wang, L., Jiang, H., Wang, H., Zhang, B., Zhang, J., Jia, X. and Wang, Z., 2020. Intra-Individual Double Burden of Malnutrition among Adults in China: Evidence from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2015. Nutrients, 12(9), p.2811. |
| Notes: | 3699 men and 2903 women |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 72824 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li, Y., Teng, D., Shi, X., Teng, X., Teng, W., Shan, Z., Lai, Y. and China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group, 2021. Changes in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and demographic risk factor profiles in China over 10 years: two national cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, 15, p.100227. |
| Definitions: | WHO Asian cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 25kg/m² to allow comparison with non-Asian cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 72824 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li, Y., Teng, D., Shi, X., Teng, X., Teng, W., Shan, Z., Lai, Y. and China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group, 2021. Changes in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and demographic risk factor profiles in China over 10 years: two national cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, 15, p.100227. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 212658 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Sample size extracted from different source, may include particpants with incomplete data |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 8315 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Yan, S., Li, J., Li, S., Zhang, B., Du, S., Gordon-Larsen, P., Adair, L. and Popkin, B. (2012), The expanding burden of cardiometabolic risk in China: the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Obesity Reviews. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2012.01016.x |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Definitions: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 45956 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li, Y., Teng, D., Shi, X., Teng, X., Teng, W., Shan, Z., Lai, Y. and China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group, 2021. Changes in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and demographic risk factor profiles in China over 10 years: two national cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, 15, p.100227. |
| Definitions: | WHO Asian cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 25kg/m² to allow comparison with non-Asian cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 45956 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li, Y., Teng, D., Shi, X., Teng, X., Teng, W., Shan, Z., Lai, Y. and China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group, 2021. Changes in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and demographic risk factor profiles in China over 10 years: two national cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, 15, p.100227. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Definitions: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2004
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Definitions: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 221044 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Report of the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. 2004. (In Chinese). Chinese Ministry of Public Health (CMPH). |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 247464 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Sample size extracted from different source, may include particpants with incomplete data |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Definitions: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1997
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Definitions: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1993
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Definitions: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1991-1995
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 35-59 |
| Sample size: | 9213 |
| References: | Zhou BF, Wu Yangfeng, Yang Jun, Li Ying, Zhang H, Zhao L. Overweight is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in Chinese populations. Obesity Reviews 2002;3:147-156 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1989
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20-45 |
| Sample size: | 2487 |
| References: | Bell AC, Ge K, Popkin BM. Weight gain and its predictors in Chinese adults. International Journal of Obesity 2;25:1079-1086001 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-18 |
| Sample size: | 1617 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Zhang J, Wang H, Wang Z, Du W, Su C, Zhang J, Jiang H, Jia X, Huang F, Ouyang Y, Wang Y, Zhang B.Prevalence and stabilizing trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in China, 2011-2015. BMC Public Health. 2018 May 2;18(1):571. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5483-9. |
| Definitions: | IOTF International Cut off. WHO & WGOC also available in paper. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 29418 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Yunping Zhou, Qian Zhang, Tao Wang, Yanqing Zhang & Bo Xu. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents from 2015. Annals of Human Biology 2017;44:642-643 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03014460.2017.1371224 |
| Definitions: | 85th/95th Centiles Based on Chinese Reference Data see original article for details |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2014-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-14 |
| Sample size: | 325,083 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Zhang et al. 2018. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school-aged children in Jiangsu Province, China, 2014-2017.PLoS One. 2018; 13(8): e0202681. |
| Notes: | Subnational (Jiangsu Province) |
| Definitions: | Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC) BMI definition used |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-18 |
| References: | Zhang, J., Wang, H., Wang, Z. et al. Prevalence and stabilizing trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in China, 2011-2015. BMC Public Health 18, 571 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5483-9 |
| Definitions: | Overweight and obesity defined using WGOC Criteria |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-9 |
| Sample size: | 215,203 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Sun H, Ma Y, Han D, Pan C-W, Xu Y. Prevalence and Trends in Obesity among China’s Children and Adolescents, 1985–2010. Gonzalez-Bulnes A, ed. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(8):e105469. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0105469. |
| Notes: | Sample size for all children for all ages 7-18 A subject was considered to have obesity or overweight if weight-for-height exceeded the 20% or 10% of standard weight-for-height. The standard weight-for-height was the 80th percentile for sex- and age-specific growth charts. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 1368 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Liang YJ, Xi B, Song AQ, Liu JX, Mi J. Trends in general and abdominal obesity. Pediatric Obesity 2012 Vol 7 (5):355-64 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-17 |
| Sample size: | 44880 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Yanping L, Evert GS, Xiaoqi H, Zhaohui C, Dechun L and Guansheng M. 2008. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in china, 1982 - 2002. Asia Pac Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17(1):131 - 137. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1999-2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 11 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Bellizzi MC, Horgan GW, Guillaume M, Dietz WH. Prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity in Asian and European countries. In: Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence. Editors: Chunming Chen, William H. Dietz. Nestle Nutrition Workshop Series Pediatric Program. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2002 |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1992
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-17 |
| Sample size: | 15501 |
| References: | Li Y,, Schouten EG, Hu X et al. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in China, 1982-2002. Published in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Our version from Book - Li Y. Childhood Obesity in China: prevalence, determinants and health. Chapter 2 |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1982
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-17 |
| Sample size: | 10127 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li Y,, Schouten EG, Hu X et al. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in China, 1982-2002. Published in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Our version from Book - Li Y. Childhood Obesity in China: prevalence, determinants and health. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
0-5 years, 2016-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Other: China Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Women 2016–2017 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2013
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 28839 |
| References: | Other: China National Nutrition and Health Survey, 2013 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2010
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 15399 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (2010) - National (38 nutrition surveillance sites from 25 provinces). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2009
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 10635 |
| References: | Other: Nutrition and rapid economic development - 2010 research report on nutrition policy in China. Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2008
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 10726 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (2008) - National (26 nutrition surveillance sites from rural areas). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2005
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 15987 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (2005) - National (40 nutrition surveillance sites from 26 provinces). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2002
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 16564 |
| References: | Other: China National Nutrition and Health Survey, 2002 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2000
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 16460 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (2000) - National (40 nutrition surveillance sites from 26 provinces). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1998
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 13838 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (1998) - National (40 nutrition surveillance sites from 26 provinces). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1995
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 2832 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (1995) - National surveillance system in 7 provinces. Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1992
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5535 |
| References: | NNS: The dietary and nutritional status of Chinese population: 1992 national nutrition survey. Beijing: Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, 1995 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1990
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4332 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (1990) - National surveillance system in 7 provinces. Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
% Adults living with obesity, 2002-2019
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity, 2002-2019
Men
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity by urbanisation in China 1993-2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993-2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287-296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity in China 1993-2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993-2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287-296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity, 2002-2019
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity, 2002-2019
Men
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Children living with Overweight or obesity in China
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1982: Li Y,, Schouten EG, Hu X et al. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in China, 1982-2002. Published in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Our version from Book - Li Y. Childhood Obesity in China: prevalence, determinants and health. 1992: Li Y,, Schouten EG, Hu X et al. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in China, 1982-2002. Published in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Our version from Book - Li Y. Childhood Obesity in China: prevalence, determinants and health. Chapter 2 2002: Yanping L, Evert GS, Xiaoqi H, Zhaohui C, Dechun L and Guansheng M. 2008. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in china, 1982 - 2002. Asia Pac Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17(1):131 - 137. |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Adults, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-59 |
| Sample size: | 6602 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Huang, Q., Wang, L., Jiang, H., Wang, H., Zhang, B., Zhang, J., Jia, X. and Wang, Z., 2020. Intra-Individual Double Burden of Malnutrition among Adults in China: Evidence from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2015. Nutrients, 12(9), p.2811. |
| Notes: | 3699 men and 2903 women |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 9917 |
| Area covered: | Regional - Guangzhou (urban setting) |
| References: | Liu W, Liu W, Lin R, et al. Socioeconomic determinants of childhood obesity among primary school children in Guangzhou, China. BMC Public Health. 2016;16:482. doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3171-1. |
| Notes: | BMI standard deviation scores (BMI z-score) were derived using the age (calculated by subtracting the date of birth from the date of examination) and sex specific WHO growth reference for school-aged children, which were further classified as non-overweight (≤1SD), overweight (>1SD) and obese (>2SD). Overweight and obesity prevalence by Father's education. Education was categorised into low (primary and junior high school level), medium (senior high and vocational school level) or high (university level or higher). |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 9917 |
| Area covered: | Regional - Guangzhou (urban setting) |
| References: | Liu W, Liu W, Lin R, et al. Socioeconomic determinants of childhood obesity among primary school children in Guangzhou, China. BMC Public Health. 2016;16:482. doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3171-1. |
| Notes: | BMI standard deviation scores (BMI z-score) were derived using the age (calculated by subtracting the date of birth from the date of examination) and sex specific WHO growth reference for school-aged children, which were further classified as non-overweight (≤1SD), overweight (>1SD) and obese (>2SD). Overweight and obesity prevalence by Father's education. Education was categorised into low (primary and junior high school level), medium (senior high and vocational school level) or high (university level or higher). |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2018-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 155413 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Chinese Cut Off applied |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6602 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Huang, Q., Wang, L., Jiang, H., Wang, H., Zhang, B., Zhang, J., Jia, X. and Wang, Z., 2020. Intra-Individual Double Burden of Malnutrition among Adults in China: Evidence from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2015. Nutrients, 12(9), p.2811. |
| Notes: | 3699 men and 2903 women |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 72824 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li, Y., Teng, D., Shi, X., Teng, X., Teng, W., Shan, Z., Lai, Y. and China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group, 2021. Changes in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and demographic risk factor profiles in China over 10 years: two national cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, 15, p.100227. |
| Definitions: | WHO Asian cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 25kg/m² to allow comparison with non-Asian cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010-2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 212658 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Sample size taken from a different source, the number with complete measurements may be lower |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 45956 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li, Y., Teng, D., Shi, X., Teng, X., Teng, W., Shan, Z., Lai, Y. and China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group, 2021. Changes in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and demographic risk factor profiles in China over 10 years: two national cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, 15, p.100227. |
| Definitions: | WHO Asian cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 25kg/m² to allow comparison with non-Asian cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 247464 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Sample size was taken from a different source, number of participants with complete measurements may be smaller |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1617 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Zhang J, Wang H, Wang Z, Du W, Su C, Zhang J, Jiang H, Jia X, Huang F, Ouyang Y, Wang Y, Zhang B.Prevalence and stabilizing trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in China, 2011-2015. BMC Public Health. 2018 May 2;18(1):571. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5483-9. |
| Notes: | International Cut off used, WHO & WGOC also available |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 29,418 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Zhou, Y. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents from 2015', Annals of Human Biology, 44 (7). http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03014460.2017.1371224 |
| Notes: | Subjects were defined as being overweight (BMI P85 and <P95) or obese (BMI P95) by referring to the Body Mass Index Reference Norm for Screening Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Children and Adolescents. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 215203 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Sun H, Ma Y, Han D, Pan C-W, Xu Y. Prevalence and Trends in Obesity among China’s Children and Adolescents, 1985–2010. Gonzalez-Bulnes A, ed. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(8):e105469. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0105469. |
| Notes: | A subject was considered obese or overweight if weight-for-height exceeded the 20% or 10% of standard weight-for-height. The standard weight-for-height was the 80th percentile for sex- and age-specific growth charts. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 70508 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li Y, Schouten EG, Hu X, Cui Z, Luan D, Ma G. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in China, 1982-2002. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17(1):131-137. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1992
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 70508 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li Y, Schouten EG, Hu X, Cui Z, Luan D, Ma G. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in China, 1982-2002. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17(1):131-137. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1982
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 70508 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li Y, Schouten EG, Hu X, Cui Z, Luan D, Ma G. Obesity prevalence and time trend among youngsters in China, 1982-2002. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17(1):131-137. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by region
Men, 2018-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 155413 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2018-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 155413 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 72824 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li, Y., Teng, D., Shi, X., Teng, X., Teng, W., Shan, Z., Lai, Y. and China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group, 2021. Changes in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and demographic risk factor profiles in China over 10 years: two national cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, 15, p.100227. |
| Definitions: | WHO Asian cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 25kg/m² to allow comparison with non-Asian cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 212658 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Sample size extracted from different source, may include particpants with incomplete data |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 212658 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Sample size extracted from different source, may include particpants with incomplete data |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 45956 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Li, Y., Teng, D., Shi, X., Teng, X., Teng, W., Shan, Z., Lai, Y. and China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group, 2021. Changes in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and demographic risk factor profiles in China over 10 years: two national cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, 15, p.100227. |
| Definitions: | WHO Asian cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 25kg/m² to allow comparison with non-Asian cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2004
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2004
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 247464 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Sample size extracted from different source, may include particpants with incomplete data |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 247464 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wen Peng, Shiqi Chen and Xinguang Chen et al. Trends in major non-communicable diseases and related risk factors in China 2002–2019: an analysis of nationally representative survey data. The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific. 2023. Vol. 43. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100809 |
| Notes: | Sample size extracted from different source, may include particpants with incomplete data |
| Definitions: | Overweight BMI ≥24-<28 Kg/m² Obesity BMI ≥ 28 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 1997
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1997
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 1993
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1993
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | Xi, B., Liang, Y., He, T., Reilly, K. H., Hu, Y., Wang, Q., Yan, Y. and Mi, J. (2012), Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993–2009. Obesity Reviews, 13: 287–296. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00944.x |
| Notes: | Obesity classified as BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-18 |
| Sample size: | 1617 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Zhang J, Wang H, Wang Z, Du W, Su C, Zhang J, Jiang H, Jia X, Huang F, Ouyang Y, Wang Y, Zhang B.Prevalence and stabilizing trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in China, 2011-2015. BMC Public Health. 2018 May 2;18(1):571. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5483-9. |
| Notes: | International Cut off used, WHO & WGOC also available |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 29,418 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Zhou, Y. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents from 2015', Annals of Human Biology, 44 (7). http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03014460.2017.1371224 |
| Notes: | Subjects were defined as being overweight (BMI P85 and <P95) or obese (BMI P95) by referring to the Body Mass Index Reference Norm for Screening Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Children and Adolescents. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-12 |
| Sample size: | 29,418 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Zhou, Y. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents from 2015', Annals of Human Biology, 44 (7). http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03014460.2017.1371224 |
| Notes: | Subjects were defined as being overweight (BMI P85 and <P95) or obese (BMI P95) by referring to the Body Mass Index Reference Norm for Screening Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Children and Adolescents. 2015 Regional data also available for: Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Xi'an (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29212483 ;Zhao et al. 2017) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Boys, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-18 |
| Sample size: | 4847 |
| Area covered: | Shandong Province (Rural) |
| References: | Zhang YX, Wang ZX, Zhao JS, Chu ZH. Trends in overweight and obesity among rural children and adolescents from 1985 to 2014 in Shandong, China. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2016 Apr 26. pii: 204748731664383 |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Rural China. IOTF BMI Cut-off points used. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Girls, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-18 |
| Sample size: | 4847 |
| Area covered: | Shandong Province (Rural) |
| References: | Zhang YX, Wang ZX, Zhao JS, Chu ZH. Trends in overweight and obesity among rural children and adolescents from 1985 to 2014 in Shandong, China. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2016 Apr 26. pii: 204748731664383 |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Rural China. IOTF BMI Cut-off points used. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Boys, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-18 |
| Sample size: | 215203 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Sun H, Ma Y, Han D, Pan C-W, Xu Y. Prevalence and Trends in Obesity among China’s Children and Adolescents, 1985–2010. Gonzalez-Bulnes A, ed. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(8):e105469. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0105469. |
| Notes: | A subject was considered obese or overweight if weight-for-height exceeded the 20% or 10% of standard weight-for-height. The standard weight-for-height was the 80th percentile for sex- and age-specific growth charts. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Girls, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-18 |
| Sample size: | 215203 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Sun H, Ma Y, Han D, Pan C-W, Xu Y. Prevalence and Trends in Obesity among China’s Children and Adolescents, 1985–2010. Gonzalez-Bulnes A, ed. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(8):e105469. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0105469. |
| Notes: | A subject was considered obese or overweight if weight-for-height exceeded the 20% or 10% of standard weight-for-height. The standard weight-for-height was the 80th percentile for sex- and age-specific growth charts. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 1993
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-9 |
| Sample size: | Total sample size (6-18yrs old) = 3028 |
| Area covered: | The China Health and Nutrition Surveys (CHNS) covered eight provinces that vary substantially in geography, economic development, public resources, and health indicators. |
| References: | Youfa Wang.Cross-national comparison of childhood obesity: the epidemic and the relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status. Int. J. Epidemiol. (2001) 30 (5): 1129-1136. doi: 10.1093/ije/30.5.1129 |
| Notes: | The study used the US NCHS body mass index (BMI = wt/ht2) reference to define obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) and overweight (85th≤BMI<95th percentile). |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
0-5 years, 2010
| Sample size: | 15399 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (2010) - National (38 nutrition surveillance sites from 25 provinces). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2005
| Sample size: | 15987 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (2005) - National (40 nutrition surveillance sites from 26 provinces). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2002
| Sample size: | 16564 |
| References: | Other: China National Nutrition and Health Survey, 2002 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2000
| Sample size: | 16460 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (2000) - National (40 nutrition surveillance sites from 26 provinces). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1998
| Sample size: | 13838 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (1998) - National (40 nutrition surveillance sites from 26 provinces). Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1995
| Sample size: | 2832 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (1995) - National surveillance system in 7 provinces. Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1992
| Sample size: | 5535 |
| References: | NNS: The dietary and nutritional status of Chinese population: 1992 national nutrition survey. Beijing: Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, 1995 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1990
| Sample size: | 4332 |
| References: | Surveillance: Nutritional status of children aged 0-5 years old in China (1990) - National surveillance system in 7 provinces. Beijing, China: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010. |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Overweight/obesity by age and region
Men, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18 |
| Sample size: | 30447 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Zhang YX, Wang SR. Distribution of body mass index and the prevalence changes of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Shandong, China from 1985 to 2005. Annals of Human Biology, Volume 35, Issue 5 September 2008 , pages 547 - 555 |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18 |
| Sample size: | 30447 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Zhang YX, Wang SR. Distribution of body mass index and the prevalence changes of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Shandong, China from 1985 to 2005. Annals of Human Biology, Volume 35, Issue 5 September 2008 , pages 547 - 555 |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |