Joined the programme in 2014
In recent years Tianjin has invested significantly in infrastructure, economic development, jobs and healthcare. However, emissions from industry and fossil fuels has led to poor air quality1, and a combination of risk factors, such as sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, smoking and alcohol consumption, have made non-communicable diseases (NCDs) the city’s top health threat.
Reducing obesity: an opportunity for change in Tianjin
In recent years Tianjin has invested significantly in
infrastructure, economic development, jobs and healthcare. However,
emissions from industry and fossil fuels has led to poor air
quality1, and a combination of risk factors, such as
sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, smoking and alcohol consumption,
have made non-communicable diseases (NCDs) the city’s top health threat.
Key facts and figures
1/3
adults were overweight in Tianjin in 2010.2
15.7%
of kids and teens aged 7-18 are obese.3
As the first Chinese city to join the programme, the focus in Tianjin has been to improve diabetes care in community health centres.
Research showed that cultural beliefs and poor access to treatment4,5,6 significantly impact people’s ability to manage their diabetes. A partnership to provide GP training is now building diabetes capacity and skills, enabling GPs to reach more people earlier in the course of their disease. The programme is part of a wider effort to strengthen the overall city health system.
" Tianjin takes diabetes prevention and control very seriously, investing in scientific research, clinical treatment, and community health centres. This work is paying off, yet the diabetes population is still growing. It’s a long journey requiring the collaboration of multiple partners, including city leaders and planners, the social sector, and academic partners; that’s why we’re pleased to be a part of Cities Changing Diabetes."
— Wang Hesheng, Director for Tianjin Health & Family Planning Commission
WEF. World Economic Forum. The Future of Urban Development Initiative: Tianjin Champion City Strategy. 2013
Wang Yuan, Li Yongle, Wang Jianhua, et al. Analysis of the current situation of overweight and obesity among adults in Tianjin community. China Public Health. 2010;26(10):1306–1307.
Andegiorgish AK, Wang J, Zhang X, Liu X, Zhu H. Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and associated risk factors among school children and adolescents in Tianjin, China. European Journal of Pediatrics. 2012;171(4):697–703.
Cities Changing Diabetes. Diabetes Projection Model, Tianjin. Data on file. Novo Nordisk. In: Incentive, ed. Holte, Denmark2017.
Zhang W, Kang L. State of Urban Community Health Centers in China: Nursing and Patient Perspectives (Observations on Challenges and Implications of Reform). 2012.
Tianjin – Live pollution and air quality report. 2015.
