The mass concentration of microplastics in stools and influencing factors remain unclear. The aim was to investigate the types and mass concentrations of microplastics in the stools of young college students and to explore potential influencing factors. Twenty-six participants were recruited from colleges in each city using stratified simple sampling, including Changsha, Shanghai, and Changchun. Participants' dietary and fluid intake behavior was recorded using the 3-day 24-h dietary questionnaire and the 7-day 24-h fluid intake record, respectively. Lifestyle factor information related to microplastic exposure was collected through a microplastic exposure questionnaire. Stools were collected and detected using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS) method. Eventually, 78 participants completed the study. The detection rate of microplastics, including polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in stools was 98.7%, with a total mass concentration of 54.7 (10.1-102.7) μg/g. There were differences in the total mass concentrations of microplastics in the stools of participants in three cities, namely Changsha, Shanghai, and Changchun, which decreased sequentially (χ² = 47.819, P < 0.05). Participants with a relatively high frequency of takeaway food consumption had higher total mass concentrations of microplastics mass concentrations in stools (χ² = 7.390, P < 0.05). Participants with a relatively high frequency of consuming reheated food had a greater mass concentration of PET microplastics (χ² = 6.117, P < 0.05). The total mass concentration of microplastics, as well as the mass concentrations of PE, PVC, PP, and PA66, in the bottled water intake group were greater than those in the nonintake group (all P < 0.05). Overall, the total mass concentration of microplastics in stools was related to residential city, consumption of reheated food, and bottled water intake (all P < 0.05). Young college students generally experience microplastic exposure, with the main types being PE, PVC, PS, PP, PET, and PA66. Living location, reheated food consumption, and bottled water intake were factors influencing microplastic exposure.

Objective: Addressing the increasing global health issue of childhood obesity, exacerbated by pervasive food marketing, this study critically evaluated China’s food marketing policies in comparison with international best practices, aiming to uncover policy content and implementation gaps and inform policy enhancement strategies. Method: Three key indicators were utilized from the Healthy Food–Environment Policy Index (Food–EPI)’s food promotion domain. A panel of experts (n = 13) from academic institutions, China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the food industry assessed the Chinese government’s policy scores and implementation levels concerning food marketing. Benchmarked against international best practices using the Food–EPI process, this evaluation encompassed context analysis, data collection, evidence-based policy action, government validation, policy rating, scoring, and results translation for government and stakeholders. The three chosen indicators specifically addressed childhood overweight- and obesity-related food marketing in broadcast media (Indicator 1), non-broadcast media (Indicator 2), and child gathering settings (Indicator 3). Results: Specifically, Indicator 1, the Single Food Marketing Indicator Score was measured at 2.31 ± 0.38, with an accompanying Food Marketing Policy Implementation Percentage of 46.2%, and Low Implementation Level. For non-broadcast mediums (Indicator 2), these metrics were gauged at 1.77 ± 0.27, 35.4%, and Low Implementation Level, respectively. In child gathering settings (Indicator 3), for efforts curbing unhealthy food promotion, a score of 2.77 ± 0.27, an implementation percentage of 55.4%, and Medium Implementation Level was obtained. Cumulatively, the overarching efficacy of food marketing policy enforcement was determined to be suboptimal, with the consolidated figures being Total Food Marketing Score as 2.28 ± 0.97, Total Food Marketing Policy Implementation Percentage as 45.6%, and Total Food Marketing Policy Implementation Level as Low. Conclusion: Like many countries, China’s food marketing policies and implementation have room for improvement when compared to international best practices. Recommendations include emphasizing nutritional legislation, fostering stakeholder collaboration, bolstering public health campaigns, and leveraging technology for stringent enforcement.

Objectives: Despite the importance of food environments in shaping dietary behaviors and diet-related noncommunicable diseases, no standardized and validated method has been used to assess this policy domain in China. This study aimed to benchmark China’s food retail policies against international benchmarking to identify implementation gaps and propose evidence-based strategies for improving food environments. Methods: Using the standardized and validated Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI), we assessed four food retail indicators: restrictive zoning for fast-food outlets (RETAIL 1), healthy food accessibility (RETAIL 2), institutional support systems (RETAIL 3), and food service promotion (RETAIL 4). A multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 13) from academia, public health, and industry conducted structured assessments using a standardized scoring tool (1–5). Scores were converted to implementation percentages and categorized into four levels. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and mean ± SD) were summarized. Results: Sixteen food retail policies were analyzed, with 62.5% (n = 10) of provincial policies focusing on fast-food zoning and healthy food access, and 37.5% (n = 6) of national policies targeting government support and healthy food promotion. Regulations comprised 55% (n = 11), mainly addressing zoning and access, while guidelines accounted for 45% (n = 9), primarily promotional. Overall, the food retail domain was rated as low level (2.3 ± 1.1, 45.8% implementation). Among the four indicators, healthy food access in outlets (2.6 ± 1.3, 52.4%) and promotion of healthy food in services (2.5 ± 1.0, 50.8%) were at medium implementation levels. In contrast, local fast-food zoning restrictions (1.7 ± 0.6, 33.8%) and government support for healthy food (2.3 ± 1.1, 46.2%) remained at low levels. Conclusions: China’s food retail policies showed inconsistent implementation levels, with strong provincial execution in accessibility and promotion but weak national coordination in zoning and support systems. To align with the WHO and China’s goals, priorities are unified national frameworks, enforceable standards, equity-focused monitoring, and strengthened multi-sector collaboration.

Early adulthood is a critical period for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, with beverage consumption being a modifiable risk factor. Evidence in young Chinese adults remains limited. We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study (May–June 2023) of 3198 university students aged 18–25 years from seven regions of China. Beverage intake was recorded for seven days using the validated Liq.In7 diary with calibrated cups, and multivariable linear regression, including sex- and age-stratified models and interaction analyses, identified determinants. Sex, age, and sleep quality were the strongest predictors: females consumed less plain water (β = –112.75; 95% CI: –147.98 to –77.53; p < 0.001) and SSBs (β = –23.59; 95% CI: –34.60 to –12.57; p < 0.001), while plain water intake increased with age (β = 33.42; 95% CI: 19.92–46.91; p < 0.001). Poorer sleep quality (higher PSQI) was associated with higher SSBs consumption. SSBs intake among adults aged 22–25 years increased with higher temperature and socioeconomic tier. Interaction models confirmed that plain water intake increased with age in both sexes but remained lower in females. These findings support integrated interventions, including SSBs taxation and nutrition education, aligned with Healthy China 2030 and WHO sugar-reduction targets.

Adequate hydration is essential for health, yet the contribution of water from food (WFF) to total water intake (TWI) and its determinants remain unclear in China. This study quantified WFF and explored factors influencing its variation among young Chinese adults. A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted in May–June 2023 among 947 healthy adults aged 18–25 years from seven regions of China. WFF was measured using three-day duplicate food portions, and drinking fluid intake was recorded with a validated 24 h diary. Sociodemographic, dietary, behavioral, and psychological data were collected using standardized instruments. Multivariable linear regression, stratified by sex and age, examined associations with WFF and its proportion of TWI. On average, WFF accounted for 38.0% of TWI, with regional variation from 33.5% in southern China to 44.3% in eastern China. Higher daily intake of energy, salt, and carbohydrate intakes were each positively associated with greater WFF, while carbohydrate intake seemed to betas the strongest predictor of a higher proportion of WFF. Younger age and elevated anxiety showed modest independent associations. These findings indicate that WFF contributes substantially to hydration in Chinese young adults, primarily driven by dietary composition. Recognizing WFF in hydration guidelines could improve population assessments and inform evidence-based nutrition strategies in China and other high-moisture diet regions.

Background: Inadequate water intake is prevalent among Chinese college students, a group at a critical stage for establishing lifelong health habits. However, nationwide data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding water intake remain scarce. This study aims to describe regional variations in water-related KAP among undergraduates across seven major geographical regions of China, providing evidence for developing targeted health promotion strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey employed multistage stratified convenience sampling to recruit undergraduate students (N = 3161) from one university in each of China’s seven regions. Participants completed a KAP questionnaire. Data analysis utilized chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction, reporting effect sizes and confidence intervals. Results: A total of 3161 valid responses were obtained (response rate: 98.3%). Students in South China demonstrated the lowest awareness of regular water intake (52.0%) but the highest awareness of daily recommended water intake (32.9%). South China and Northeast China exhibited weaker recognition of water’s importance (65.6% and 94.0%, respectively) and the lowest prevalence of “thirst-driven” drinking behavior (21.7% and 32.4%, respectively). Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) status regarding water consumption among Chinese university students is concerning and exhibits significant regional disparities. Key issues include knowledge gaps, disconnect between attitudes and behaviors, and deeply ingrained unscientific drinking habits. Analysis based on KAP theory indicates that future health promotion strategies must move beyond mere knowledge dissemination and adopt region-specific, multilevel comprehensive interventions.