In line with the Healthy China 2030 initiative, weight management and proactive health are at the forefront of the ongoing eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, with exhibitors showcasing products such as nutritional supplements, TCM-based tonics and medical devices for gastric reduction.

Health company Herbalife has participated in all eight editions of the CIIE, offering weight management products such as protein shakes and dietary fiber powders. This year, it is presenting, for the first time in Asia, MultiBurn, a plant-extracted metabolic supplement.

"Modern consumers focus on comprehensive health, emphasizing metabolic function and body composition, shifting from simple weight control to overall health management," according to Yang Lan, public affairs director at Herbalife China.

Food company Cargill, which has had a presence in China for more than 50 years, has brought oils with zero trans fats and less saturated fat to this year's Shanghai expo.

"Chinese consumers pay more attention to saturated fat intake," said Zhao Qing, marketing director of Cargill Ag & Trading China.

"These two products not only align with the national policy but also help enterprises upgrade health standards without increasing costs."

Hong Kong-based Ladyship is attracting visitors with traditional Chinese medicine-inspired products for enhancing metabolic capacity and relieving dampness.

"Genuine fat loss relies on water metabolism, if the body has excessive dampness and weak water circulation, the efficiency of weight management will be low," said Han Xiyang, Ladyship's executive director.

In its first appearance at the CIIE, snack chain Lyfen is promoting a "weight management equals dieting" message via its healthy snacks.

"Many consumers pursue weight management drinks for fat reduction. We also offer daily nut packs and probiotic products," said Wei Ying, head of Lyfen's import business.

The company is also promoting clean-formula dates imported from the United Arab Emirates and a type of high-protein fish sausage.

"Weight management is not just about losing weight, it's more about nutritional balance," Wei added.

For obese patients unresponsive to conventional interventions, Boston Scientific has brought non-invasive weight-loss devices to Shanghai, including the Orbera 365 Intragastric Balloon System, which has completed a pilot implementation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

"It can stay in the stomach for a year, reducing food intake and enhancing satiety," said Zeng Zhiyu, senior director of the medical division at Boston Scientific China.

"The first GBA patient who received the implant shed more than 15 kg in just over a month."

By He Qi