It has been learned that Shanghai has printed 400,000 copies of the “100 Questions on Healthy Weight—Shanghai Citizens’ Weight Management Handbook” (referred to as the Handbook), with distribution starting this week to communities, hospitals, businesses, and government offices. Shanghai will also promote the Handbook through audiobooks, e-books, and other multimedia channels, reaching the Yangtze River Delta region and beyond.

Since 2008, the Shanghai municipal government has been distributing free health education materials for 18 consecutive years, while utilizing various forms and channels to promote health science education. This initiative has guided citizens in adopting healthy lifestyles, raising the overall health literacy rate to 42.09%, marking 17 years of continuous improvement. To date, Shanghai has distributed over 100 million copies of health education materials and supportive tools.

The Handbook, led by experts in preventive medicine, nutrition, exercise, psychology, endocrinology, and traditional Chinese medicine, adopts a Q&A format, addressing 100 common questions about weight management. Topics include basic knowledge of weight control, balanced diets, scientific exercise, daily routines, mental well-being, and medical interventions, covering diverse groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and chronic disease patients. The Handbook is divided into four concise and practical chapters, supplemented with 10 common misconceptions and 10 “expert tips,” making it easy to understand, remember, and apply.

The 400,000 printed copies will be distributed to all community health service centers, hospital weight management clinics, and relevant businesses in Shanghai. The Shanghai Patriotic Health Campaign Office stated that this practical “mini-encyclopedia” on weight management continues to promote healthy lifestyles, encouraging citizens to proactively adopt health-conscious habits, improve health literacy, and enhance their overall sense of well-being and security.

100 Questions on Healthy Weight—Shanghai Citizens’ Weight Management Handbook

“100 Questions on Healthy Weight—Shanghai Citizens’ Weight Management Handbook” is a public health guide developed by Shanghai authorities to promote healthy weight management among residents. It provides science-based answers to common questions about diet, exercise, and lifestyle, reflecting China’s growing focus on preventive healthcare amid rising obesity rates. The handbook aligns with national wellness campaigns and Shanghai’s efforts to build a healthier urban population.

Yangtze River Delta

The Yangtze River Delta, located in eastern China, is one of the country’s most economically dynamic and culturally significant regions, encompassing major cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. Historically, it has been a hub of trade, agriculture, and innovation since ancient times, playing a key role in China’s development as part of the “Jiangnan” region. Today, it is a global economic powerhouse, known for its advanced industries, waterways, and rich cultural heritage, including classical gardens and water towns.

Shanghai municipal government

The Shanghai Municipal Government is the administrative body governing Shanghai, China’s largest city and a global financial hub. Located in the People’s Square, its headquarters are in a modern complex that symbolizes the city’s rapid development. Historically, Shanghai has been a key center of commerce and culture since the 19th century, with its government playing a pivotal role in China’s economic reforms and urbanization.

Shanghai Patriotic Health Campaign Office

The Shanghai Patriotic Health Campaign Office is a government body that promotes public health initiatives, rooted in China’s Patriotic Health Campaign launched in the 1950s. This campaign, initiated by Mao Zedong, aimed to improve hygiene, combat diseases, and mobilize citizens for collective sanitation efforts. Today, the office continues to oversee health education, disease prevention, and urban cleanliness in Shanghai.