High Prevalence of Obesity Among Chinese Diabetic Patients: Unveiling the Characteristics and Management Strategies of "Four-Color Obesity"

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Chinese diabetic patients are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity issues. In a 2016 global adult weight survey report published in The Lancet medical journal, China was found to harbor 43.2 million obese men and 46.4 million obese women, propelling the nation's obesity count to a staggering 40th percentile worldwide, topping the global rankings.

The Four Colors of Obesity: Distinct Symptomatology

Obesity can be stratified into distinct types based on metabolic profiles and underlying causes. Drawing from extensive clinical experience and medical assessments, obesity has been provisionally categorized into four color-coded types: Red, White, Black, and Yellow, to facilitate understanding.

Dr. Qu Shen, Director of the Endocrinology Department at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, advises that "White Fat individuals" should develop a meticulous diet and exercise intervention plan under a physician's guidance, diligently adhering to it. Those classified as "Red Fat" require comprehensive blood work to assess the systemic secretion of endocrine hormones, particularly focusing on thyroid and adrenal gland function. Any abnormalities detected mandate prompt, scientifically grounded, and standardized medical intervention. Individuals with "Yellow Fat" typically exhibit low overall energy intake but possess a basal metabolic rate lower than average, leading to a relative energy surplus and consequent overweight or obesity. Thus, endocrinologists must urgently address hormonal imbalances.

The "Black Fat" phenotype presents the most intricate scenario, frequently accompanied by a myriad of underlying endocrine and metabolic disorders. Consequently, apart from medical pharmacotherapy, endocrine surgery may occasionally be warranted.

Weight Loss: A Lifelong Pursuit

For obese individuals, weight loss is a lifelong commitment that should not be dismissed merely due to temporary success.

Professor Qu Shen candidly notes that few people seek medical attention for obesity. This is partly due to the intricacy of diagnosing obesity, which necessitates numerous tests to first identify the root cause. Moreover, follow-up care for obesity is exceptionally stringent; once some obese patients achieve weight loss, they become complacent and fail to attend subsequent hospital check-ups. Lastly, radical weight-loss methods such as slimming teas, meal replacements, and fasting, although effective in shedding pounds, can inflict harm on the body, causing more harm than good.

Obesity is a disease, and weight reduction is a medical endeavor. Each individual's obesity type varies, dictating distinct treatment approaches. Therefore, patients must seek formal and systematic treatment at hospitals and other professional institutions based on their specific causative factors and evidence-based weight management strategies.