Over half of HK population is overweight or obese

Among Hongkongers aged between 15 and 84, 32.6 percent of them are obese, 22 percent of them are overweight and 37.8 percent were classified as centrally obese, according to the Population Health Survey 2020-22 conducted by the Department of Health.

The survey also revealed some common unhealthy lifestyle in Hong Kong, with about one-quarter of adults performing an insufficient level of physical activities, and about 98 percent of persons aged 15 or above reported an inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables per day.

Meanwhile, the department said an annual health assessment service for primary and secondary school students has found that the detection rates of being overweight - including obesity - among primary and secondary school students were 19.5 percent and 20.5 percent respectively.

A department spokesman said obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders and sleep apnoea, and leading a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of obesity.

“The fundamental cause of obesity is more calories are consumed than expended. To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, members of the public are encouraged to eat a balanced diet, be physically active and reduce the amount of time spent being sedentary," the spokesman added.