Working Paper Series

Abstract: “Globesity” has been coined by the World Health Organization to describe the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity all over the world. Obesity is a condition involving personal and social dimensions. There are studies investigating different risk factors of obesity, including the history and behaviours of family members, unhealthy diet as well as inadequate exercise. In a fast food culture, people tend to eat various types of food containing higher proportion of fat, sugar and salt. Inadequate physical activities also increase the risk of overweight and obesity. Weight control is an important strategy of health promotion in the community. The Hong Kong government has implemented the nutrition labelling scheme in order to help customers make informed food choices. The Department of Health has co-operated with schools to promote healthy eating and adequate exercise as well as a comprehensive weight control education. However, community awareness is also an important component that can affect the long-term maintenance of weight control in Hong Kong. Factors influencing community awareness include low health literacy, inadequate personal interest, and insufficient allocation of technical and financial resources. In order to increase the effectiveness of weight control promotion, education of weight control should be strengthened to enhance health literacy in the society. The health professionals should be encouraged to enrich and acquire more professional knowledge in obesity and weight management. To alleviate the prevalence of obesity continuously, the government, the schools and the public should take initiatives in the promotion of weight control in Hong Kong.