As obesity rates climb, body weight management has become a growing concern in China. The government is introducing targeted policies, hospitals are setting up dedicated clinics, and health experts are speaking out. But weight is no longer just a medical issue - it’s increasingly tied to identity, confidence, and social image. We examine the cultural forces shaping how young people in China and Africa approach weight - what drives their choices, how ideals are formed, and where health meets appearance in today’s shifting societies. 

Striking a Balance Is Key   

Pan Ziyi

A Chinese college student in Beijing

We live in a time where gaining weight has become easy - reflected in rising obesity rates - yet the pressure to stay slim and light has never been greater. In China, while a fuller figure is still seen as a sign of prosperity and good health in some rural communities, urban culture increasingly promotes slimness as a marker of modernity and success. As a result, body weight management has become a hot topic across age groups. 

This growing awareness has its merits. As obesity rises, it’s vital to recognise the health risks associated with excess weight, such as fatty liver disease and metabolic issues. For those pursuing beauty or social acceptance, maintaining a healthy figure can also boost confidence and self-esteem. 

However, there’s a worrying trend of going to extremes in the name of slimness. The media often promotes unrealistic beauty ideals, leading many to prioritise appearance over well-being. Social media only amplifies this pressure, with influencers and diet fads constantly pushing new standards and body goals. For many, this creates anxiety about self-image. 

Some people may, as I observe, turn to drastic methods - skipping meals, adopting rigid diets - that might result in short-term weight loss but at the cost of hormonal imbalance, acne, fatigue, and even depression. These practices are unsustainable and ultimately harmful. 

In my view, the right attitude towards body weight should be based on balance and long-term well-being. Instead of extreme dieting, we should aim for reasonable health goals, incorporate regular physical activity into our routines, and be mindful of our snack and drink choices. This not only improves physical health but also encourages a more positive, accepting relationship with our bodies. 

In the end, weight management can be both empowering and burdensome. It can build confidence and improve health - but when driven by societal pressure and unrealistic ideals, it can turn into a source of anxiety and obsession. Let’s strive for a healthy balance - not just in our bodies, but in how we think about them. 

Don’t Follow the Trend Blindly 

Adibase Raphael

A 36-year-old Ghanaian student at China Agricultural University

In today’s rapidly evolving world, body weight management has grown beyond a medical concern: it is now deeply tied to identity, confidence, and how society perceives us. Across countries like China and Ghana, young people are facing new pressures shaped by modern lifestyles, digital platforms, and changing cultural expectations. 

In China, rising obesity particularly among children and urban youth has prompted swift state-led responses. The government has rolled out school-based fitness programmes, regular BMI monitoring, and public health campaigns under the “Healthy China 2030” plan. However, beyond these interventions, body size is also framed through the lens of beauty and social worth. Social media platforms like Douyin and RedNote, alongside K-pop influences, amplify slimness as the ideal. Many young Chinese start dieting or exercising not just for health, but to conform to often-unrealistic beauty standards. While some gain confidence through fitness, others grapple with anxiety, low self-esteem, and disorderly eating patterns. 

Ghana presents a more layered scenario. Traditionally, fuller bodies were associated with wealth, good health, beauty, and social status, particularly in rural communities. But with urbanisation, global media, and increased health awareness, perceptions are shifting.  

In cities like Accra and Kumasi, “slim-thick” or athletic body types have gained popularity, driven by influencers and Western fitness culture. Despite rising concerns about type 2 diabetes and hypertension, Ghana still lacks a cohesive national policy on body weight and health, leaving youth to navigate these pressures on their own. 

As a Ghanaian studying in China, I’ve observed these contrasts firsthand. In my hometown, larger body types are still admired, yet in urban schools and universities, slimness and fitness have become aspirational. Social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, shapes our body image, sometimes promoting healthy habits but often fuelling comparison, insecurity, and unrealistic expectations. In China, I’ve witnessed how peer pressure and digital culture drive young women to begin dieting early, sometimes before understanding the health risks involved. 

In both societies, weight management is a double-edged pursuit, helping some to gain better health and confidence, while burdening others with anxiety and unattainable standards. Ultimately, societies must shift the focus from appearance to well-being. Youth should be supported to feel confident in their own skin, and not judged by the number on a scale, but valued for who they are.