The “2021 China Obesity Prevention and Control Conference & Inaugurating Ceremony of Chinese Nutrition Society-Obesity Prevention and Control Section” was successfully held on April 10-12, 2021 (Sat-Mon) at the Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour (iHarbour), Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.

This event was co-hosted by the Chinese Nutrition Society, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Nutrition and Health, the Global Health Institute and the School of Public Health of Xi’an Jiaotong University, and the Health Sub-Alliance of the University Alliance of the Silk Road .

During the Conference, the Obesity Prevention and Control Section of the Chinese Nutrition Society was formally Inaugurated. Prof. Youfa Wang, distinguished professor of Xi’an Jiaotong University and dean of Global Health Institute, was elected as the chairman.

Well-known experts and scholars in obesity prevention and control related fields such as public health, nutrition and clinical medicine participated the event, including leaders and experts from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), National Health Commission, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Chinese Nutrition Society and other well-known universities and hospitals. 

The WHO Chief Representative Officer in China Dr. Gauden Galea, the officials from National Health Commission Mr. Jianxin Tian, the president of the Chinese Nutrition Society Prof. Yuexin Yang, and some other distinguished guests made opening address for the conference. Approximately 40 scholars and experts from government, academia and industry shared their ideas and views in lectures, debates and panel discussions. Around 400 delegates from various sectors attended the conference.

The Conference released the “China Obesity Prevention and Control Initiative” jointly proposed by the Obesity Prevention and Control Section of the Chinese Nutrition Society and the Xi’an Jiaotong University Global Health Institute. The initiative called for ten actions to be taken by the whole society, including government, health care facilities, schools, work places, media, industry, research institutes, families and individuals.

The ten actions are: (1) mobilize the whole society, (2) promote multi-departmental and cross-sectoral actions, (3) correct the obesogenic environment,  (4) advocate for healthy lifestyles, (5) focus on the childhood obesity prevention, (6) standardize the diagnosis and treatment of obesity, (7) strengthen the professional training in field, (8) improve policy establishing and evaluation system, (9) conduct interdisciplinary research, and (10) strengthen international exchanges and cooperation. All the actions proposed aimed to control obesity and related chronic diseases, thus contributing to the "Healthy China 2030 Initiative" and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Conference set up a unique platform for participants from different sectors and professional disciplines to exchange ideas and views, built opportunities for further cross-sectoral and inter-disciplinary collaborations, and provided possible solutions to the current global obesity pandemic.

By hosting academic conference, promoting nutrition and health knowledge and behavior, providing professional training in field and other activities, this newly founded Obesity Prevention and Control Section of the Chinese Nutrition Society will continue to play an active role in bridging the government, academia and industry, to serving the well-being of Chinese people, and contributing to the global health by sharing Chinese experience and wisdom in obesity prevention and control.