Weight Management and

Wellbeing in China
Euromonitor International
September 2023
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LIST OF CONTENTS AND TABLES

KEY DATA FINDINGS.................................................................................................................. 1
2023 DEVELOPMENTS ............................................................................................................... 1
Health Concerns Remain A Key Factor For Decline In Weight Management And Wellbeing ... 1
Increasing Focus On Immunity Drives Dynamic Growth For Supplement Nutrition Drinks ....... 1
E-commerce Platforms Are Crucial For The Distribution Of Weight Management And
Wellbeing Products ................................................................................................................... 1
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES......................................................................................... 2
Diverse Performances Across Different Categories.................................................................. 2
Health Will Be The New Revolution In Meal Replacement ....................................................... 2
CATEGORY DATA ....................................................................................................................... 2
Table 1 Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: Value
2018-2023 .................................................................................................... 2
Table 2 Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: % Value
Growth 2018-2023 ....................................................................................... 3
Table 3 NBO Company Shares of Weight Management and Wellbeing: %
Value 2019-2023 .......................................................................................... 3
Table 4 LBN Brand Shares of Weight Management and Wellbeing: % Value
2020-2023 .................................................................................................... 4
Table 5 Forecast Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category:
Value 2023-2028 .......................................................................................... 5
Table 6 Forecast Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category:
% Value Growth 2023-2028 ......................................................................... 5

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WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND

WELLBEING IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
▪ Retail value sales fall by 5% in current terms in 2023 to CNY17.4 billion
▪ Supplement nutrition drinks is the best performing category in 2023, with retail value sales
rising by 24% in current terms to CNY1.9 billion
▪ Herbalife (China) Health Products Ltd is the leading player in 2023, with a retail value share of
12%
▪ Retail sales are set to increase at a current value CAGR of 4% (2023 constant value CAGR of
2%) over the forecast period to CNY20.9 billion

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Health Concerns Remain A Key Factor For Decline In Weight

Management And Wellbeing
Despite the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions at the end of 2022, in 2023 consumers have not
fully emerged from the shadow of COVID-19. Lingering health concerns and illness have led to
an increased focus on health and immunity. This heightened awareness has cast a shadow on
products related to weight loss, as they are often associated with a potential compromise in
immune function. Moreover, with consumer spending relatively subdued in 2023, and not set to
fully recover to the pre-pandemic level, overall weight management and wellbeing is not
expected to exhibit the robust growth seen prior to the pandemic, and indeed is set to see a
second year of retail volume and current value decline.

Increasing Focus On Immunity Drives Dynamic Growth For Supplement

Nutrition Drinks
Although overall weight management and wellbeing is not expected to see a rebound in 2023,
supplement nutrition drinks is set to see dynamic current value growth. One driving force behind
this trend is the demographic shift towards an ageing population in China. As the population
continues to age, there is growing awareness of the need for nutritional support to aid overall
health and wellbeing. Supplement nutrition drinks, which offer a concentrated and convenient
source of essential nutrients, align well with this need. Furthermore, the increased focus on
immunity and health has elevated the appeal of supplement nutrition drinks. Consumers are
recognising the role that proper nutrition plays in bolstering their immune system, especially in
the context of health challenges, such as the ongoing effects of the pandemic. This emphasis on
immunity is particularly crucial for older individuals, as their immune systems tend to be more
vulnerable.

E-commerce Platforms Are Crucial For The Distribution Of Weight

Management And Wellbeing Products
E-commerce is the cornerstone of sales in weight management and wellbeing in China,
accounting for approaching two thirds of value sales at the end of the review period. This
encompasses online business-to-consumer (B2C) platforms, as well as the dynamic space of

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livestreaming. The digital landscape has not only altered the dynamics of consumer
engagement, but has also become the fulcrum upon which weight management and wellbeing
pivots. Digital platforms, applications, and wearable devices are assuming a substantial role in
streamlining fitness monitoring, crafting tailored dietary regimens, and offering virtual fitness
sessions. Simultaneously, virtual communities centred around weight management and overall
wellbeing are being cultivated through virtual forums, social media collectives, and influencer-
driven networks. These platforms serve as cohesive hubs, fostering the exchange of insights
and mutual support.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Diverse Performances Across Different Categories

Although faced with short-term headwinds, weight management and wellbeing is expected to
remain fertile ground for exploration by players, driven by meal replacement and supplement
nutrition drinks. The interplay between evolving consumer preferences, the convenience of meal
replacement, and the fortification of products with health-enhancing components paints a
dynamic landscape that hints at enduring possibilities for growth for meal replacement. This
potential is further underscored by the anticipation of more packaged food companies venturing
into the space through the introduction of their own lines of meal replacement products.
The forecast growth trajectory of supplement nutrition drinks is a result of the confluence of
demographic trends and evolving health priorities. It highlights a consumer base that is
becoming more proactive about their health, seeking convenient and effective ways to enhance
their overall wellbeing, especially when it comes to bolstering their immune system. As the
population continues to age, and health-consciousness remains a priority, the category is likely
to remain a bright spot within the broader context of weight management and wellbeing in
China.

Health Will Be The New Revolution In Meal Replacement

With consumers increasingly gravitating towards adopting healthier and more natural lifestyles
through mindful dietary choices and physical activity, meal replacement solutions act as a
pragmatic answer to the busy schedules of young consumers. There will be growing demand
not only to alleviate the need to meticulously track calories, but also to guarantee the attainment
of proper nutritional goals. Brands are also progressively enhancing their offerings by
incorporating vitamins and dietary supplements, or by positioning their products as advocates of
gut health, reflecting the growing awareness of holistic wellbeing.

CATEGORY DATA
Table 1 Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: Value 2018-2023

CNY million
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Meal Replacement 7,638.0 7,500.5 9,285.6 10,576.3 8,482.2 8,100.5

OTC Obesity 1,094.2 2,247.5 4,026.3 3,362.0 2,783.7 2,722.5
Slimming Teas 2,463.7 2,352.8 2,253.8 2,127.8 2,000.1 1,952.0
Supplement Nutrition 623.6 832.0 1,081.6 1,389.8 1,489.9 1,853.4
Drinks
Weight Loss Supplements 1,350.7 1,496.8 3,122.1 4,068.5 3,576.2 2,753.7

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Weight Management and 13,170.1 14,429.6 19,769.3 21,524.3 18,332.1 17,382.0

Wellbeing
Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research,
store checks, trade interviews, trade sources
Note: 2023 data is provisional and based on part-year estimates

Table 2 Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: % Value Growth

2018-2023

% current value growth

2022/23 2018-23 CAGR 2018/23 Total

Meal Replacement -4.5 1.2 6.1

OTC Obesity -2.2 20.0 148.8
Slimming Teas -2.4 -4.5 -20.8
Supplement Nutrition Drinks 24.4 24.3 197.2
Weight Loss Supplements -23.0 15.3 103.9
Weight Management and Wellbeing -5.2 5.7 32.0
Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research,
store checks, trade interviews, trade sources
Note: 2023 data is provisional and based on part-year estimates

Table 3 NBO Company Shares of Weight Management and Wellbeing: % Value 2019-
2023

% retail value rsp

Company 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Herbalife (China) Health 31.3 24.3 15.0 12.3 11.5

Products Ltd
Best for Beauty Co Ltd 0.9 4.6 7.8 8.4 6.6
Nestlé (China) Ltd 2.7 2.6 3.3 4.4 6.1
Besunyen Holdings Co Ltd 8.5 10.1 5.8 5.3 5.3
Abbott Nutrition 3.2 2.8 3.1 3.9 4.8
International (China)
Chongqing Zein 1.5 4.1 3.3 3.4 3.8
Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd
Shandong New Time 2.1 3.8 3.1 3.1 3.5
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Shenzhen Meili Nutrition 0.5 2.0 2.9 3.1 2.8
Technology Co Ltd
Beijing Simeitol 1.2 3.4 4.0 3.9 2.7
Biotechnology Co Ltd
Amway (China) Co Ltd 1.7 1.3 1.3 2.0 2.3
Bio-E Australia Pty Ltd 0.6 1.9 2.6 2.6 2.0
Guangzhou Lvjian 2.3 1.4 0.8 2.1 1.9
Technology Co Ltd
Oriflame Cosmetics 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.5 1.7
(China) Co Ltd
Smeal Ltd 0.5 1.6 2.8 2.1 1.7
Taier Pharmaceutical Co Ltd 1.8 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.9
By-health Co Ltd 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7
Beijing Forrida Biotech & 1.0 1.1 1.2 0.7 0.5
Health Co Ltd
Guangdong Great 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
Impression (Group) Co Ltd
Xian Libang Clinic 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

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Nutrition Corp
Beijing Yushengtang 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Bioengineering Technology
Co Ltd
Nu Skin (China) Daily-Use 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1
& Health Products Co Ltd
Zhejiang Hisun 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Tai Ping Health Food 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
(Shantou) Co Ltd
General Nutrition Centers - - - - -
Inc
Others 36.7 30.7 39.0 38.5 40.2
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research,
store checks, trade interviews, trade sources

Table 4 LBN Brand Shares of Weight Management and Wellbeing: % Value 2020-2023

% retail value rsp

Brand (GBO) Company (NBO) 2020 2021 2022 2023

Herbalife Nutrition Herbalife (China) Health 24.3 15.0 12.3 11.5

(Herbalife Nutrition Products Ltd
Ltd)
Dyesoo Best for Beauty Co Ltd 4.6 7.8 8.4 6.6
Besunyen Besunyen Holdings Co Ltd 10.1 5.8 5.3 5.3
Nutren (Nestlé SA) Nestlé (China) Ltd 1.5 2.2 2.9 4.3
Ensure (Abbott Abbott Nutrition 2.5 2.8 3.5 4.3
Laboratories Inc) International (China)
Yasu Chongqing Zein 4.1 3.3 3.4 3.8
Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd
Shuerjia (Lunan Shandong New Time 3.8 3.1 3.1 3.5
Pharmaceutical Group Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Co Ltd)
WonderLab Shenzhen Meili Nutrition 2.0 2.9 3.1 2.8
Technology Co Ltd
Simeitol Beijing Simeitol 3.4 4.0 3.9 2.7
Biotechnology Co Ltd
BodyKey by Nutrilite Amway (China) Co Ltd 1.3 1.3 2.0 2.3
(Amway Corp)
Bio-E Bio-E Australia Pty Ltd 1.9 2.6 2.6 2.0
Lv Shou (Lv Shou Group) Guangzhou Lvjian 1.4 0.8 2.1 1.9
Technology Co Ltd
Optifast (Nestlé SA) Nestlé (China) Ltd 1.1 1.2 1.5 1.8
Wellness by Oriflame Oriflame Cosmetics 1.1 1.2 1.5 1.7
(Oriflame Cosmetics SA) (China) Co Ltd
Smeal Smeal Ltd 1.6 2.8 2.1 1.7
By-Health By-health Co Ltd 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7
Glucerna (Abbott Abbott Nutrition 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5
Laboratories Inc) International (China)
VT P57 Taier Pharmaceutical Co Ltd 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5
Forrida Beijing Forrida Biotech & 1.1 1.2 0.7 0.5
Health Co Ltd
Great Impression Guangdong Great 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
(Shantou Great Impression (Group) Co Ltd
Impression (Group) Co
Ltd)
VT Taier Pharmaceutical Co Ltd 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4

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Leskon (Xi'an Libang Xian Libang Clinic 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Holdings Ltd) Nutrition Corp
Yu Sheng Tang Beijing Yushengtang 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Bioengineering Technology
Co Ltd
Pharmanex (Nu Skin Nu Skin (China) Daily-Use 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1
Enterprises Inc) & Health Products Co Ltd
Larlly Zhejiang Hisun 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Kancura Herb (Tai Tai Ping Health Food 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Ping Health Food (Shantou) Co Ltd
(Chaoyang) Co Ltd)
Tian Ting Taier Pharmaceutical Co Ltd 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0
GNC General Nutrition Centers - - - -
Inc
Herbalife Nutrition Herbalife (China) Health - - - -
(Herbalife Ltd) Products Ltd
Others Others 30.7 39.0 38.5 40.2
Total Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research,
store checks, trade interviews, trade sources

Table 5 Forecast Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: Value 2023-
2028

CNY million
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

Meal Replacement 8,100.5 8,384.0 8,648.1 8,893.3 9,120.2 9,329.6

OTC Obesity 2,722.5 2,599.9 2,471.3 2,287.8 2,066.9 1,807.6
Slimming Teas 1,952.0 1,883.6 1,834.7 1,790.6 1,751.2 1,721.5
Supplement Nutrition 1,853.4 2,196.3 2,563.1 2,939.8 3,342.6 3,730.3
Drinks
Weight Loss Supplements 2,753.7 2,541.6 2,385.1 2,267.5 2,178.1 2,109.4
Weight Management and 17,382.0 17,605.5 17,902.1 18,179.0 18,459.1 18,698.4
Wellbeing
Source: Euromonitor International from trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews,
trade sources
Note: 2023 data is provisional and based on part-year estimates

Table 6 Forecast Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: % Value

Growth 2023-2028

% constant value growth

2023/2024 2023-28 CAGR 2023/28 Total

Meal Replacement 3.5 2.9 15.2

OTC Obesity -4.5 -7.9 -33.6
Slimming Teas -3.5 -2.5 -11.8
Supplement Nutrition Drinks 18.5 15.0 101.3
Weight Loss Supplements -7.7 -5.2 -23.4
Weight Management and Wellbeing 1.3 1.5 7.6
Source: Euromonitor International from trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews,
trade sources
Note: 2023 data is provisional and based on part-year estimates

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