The Department of Health appealed to the public to help prevent and control childhood obesity in support of World Obesity Day today.
World Obesity Day aims to increase community understanding of challenges posed by obesity, and what can be done to tackle it.
The theme this year is "Overcoming Childhood Obesity".
The department said obesity can negatively impact a child's immediate and long-term health and quality of life. Overweight and obese children are more likely to stay obese into adulthood, often developing life-threatening non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.
The proportion of primary school students considered overweight or obese in Hong Kong dropped from 21.4% in the 2010-11 school year to 18.7% in 2014-15. But that of secondary school students increased from 18.7% to 19.4%.
Having about one in five children and adolescents deemed overweight or obese is worrying and requires further action, the department said.
The promotion of healthy diets, including breastfeeding, and adequate physical activity are major elements in controlling the childhood obesity epidemic.
The department has promoted, protected and supported breastfeeding at home, at the workplace and in the community.
In collaboration with other bureaus and departments and non-governmental sectors, the department has initiated the StartSmart@school.hk and EatSmart@school.hk campaigns to encourage healthy eating and physical activity to create an environment conducive to a healthy lifestyle in pre-primary institutions and primary schools.
The department’s Student Health Service checks students' body weight during annual health assessments.
The role of parents and carers is also significant in overcoming childhood obesity. They should stay alert to their children's weight, serve as role models for healthy eating and active living, and provide balanced diets and ample opportunities for children to exercise, the department added.
Click here for more on World Obesity Day.
