Growing health awareness feeds new 'slimming economy'

Avoid quick fixes

Nutritionist Zou Yu, a 39-year-old in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, has seen firsthand how many people struggle with misinformation and unrealistic expectations.

She has spent 14 years helping over 1,000 clients navigate the challenges of weight management, guiding them toward practical, long-term strategies for healthier living.

"In one-on-one consultations, most clients aim to improve health markers rather than appearance. Obesity often brings endocrine disorders, fatty liver, high blood lipids, and other risks," said Zou.

Her personalized nutrition plans help clients who previously relied on extreme diets, by meeting their individual metabolic needs and providing a variety of foods and balanced nutrition for effective weight loss.

One client, for instance, repeatedly failed in his weight loss efforts, after following extreme and liquid-only diets. Zou created a tailored meal plan for him.

"He followed the plan without feeling deprived. After a month, he lost 5 kg and felt energized," she said.

China's meal replacement market reached 175 billion yuan in 2023 and is expected to grow to 353.49 billion yuan by 2027, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 19.5 percent, according to an iiMedia Research report released in 2023.

Products like meal replacements can help clients achieve results, but Zou warns against long-term reliance on them.

"They may reduce energy intake temporarily, but the weight often returns when normal eating resumes. Sustainable results come from methods suited to an individual's body," she said.

Over the years, Zou has observed a shift in both the consumer mindset and professional practices. "Previously, people relied on pills, extreme diets, or laxatives, which could harm the body. Today, practitioners have medical or nutritional expertise, guiding clients safely. Consumers increasingly trust science-based approaches and seek professional guidance," she said.

Technology also significantly improved Zou's work efficiency, allowing her to analyze clients' daily nutrition and energy intake through photos and apps with AI dietary analysis. Wearable devices provide valuable data on sleep quality, activity levels, and heart rate, offering crucial insights for weight-loss progress.