Objective To review and analyze the central government’s policies on prevention and control of obesity among children and adolescents in recent years, discuss the focus and shortcomings of the existing policy system, so as to provide evidence for policy making.

Methods  Quantitative analysis of policy texts method was used to construct a three-dimension policy analysis framework from the perspective of policy tools, stakeholders and policy processes. A total of 46 policy documents on the prevention and control of obesity among children and adolescents issued by the Chinese government and relevant departments since October 2016 were evaluated quantitatively.

Results  The policy tools were mainly demand-oriented (57.46%), with relatively low proportions of supply oriented (21.98%) and environmental oriented (20.56%). The government (41.50%) had always been playing the role of main force in policy implementation. Policy process relied more on a stable external environment and on the external supervisory power of supervision and regulation from various departments.

Conclusion  Prevention and control of obesity among children and adolescents in China has made achievements through synergistical forces from three major policy tools of demand, supply and environment and active interaction from stakeholders, and effective connection of four major policy processes of policy formulation, implementation, guidance and evaluation in policy implementation. It is suggested that the future policy implementation should adjust the priority of policy tools based on actual situation, strengthen close cooperation from stakeholders continuously, and arrange the four major processes of policy implementation rationally, so as to escort policy implementation of prevention and control of childhood and adolescent obesity in China.