• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Population breakdowns
  • Comorbidities
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2020-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-84
Sample size:2072
Area covered:National
References:Report of Population Health Survey 2020-22 (Part II) https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/dh_phs_2020-22_part_2_report_eng.pdf (Accessed 28.04.23)
Notes:The fieldwork of heath examination was conducted between March 2021 and February 2022.
Definitions:Based on WHO classification of BMI for Asian adults.
Cutoffs:WHO Asia
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-84
Sample size:1976
Area covered:National
References:Report of Population Health Survey 2014/15 (Chapter 9, Centre for Health Protection Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Available at https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/51256.html (last accessed 01.04.2020)
Definitions:Based on WHO classification of BMI for Asian adults.
Cutoffs:WHO Asia
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1995-1996

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:2875
Area covered:National
References:Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration. The burden of overweight and obesity in the Asia-Pacific region. Obesity Reviews 2006, 8: 191 - 196 - Hong Kong refernce originally from Janus ED, Hong Kong Caediovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study Group. Epidemiology of cardiovascular risk factors in Hong Kong. Clinical Exp Pharmocological Physiology, 1997, 24: 987 - 988.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2015

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:9-12
Sample size:894
Area covered:Regional - 2 regions and 5 schools
References:Wang, Jing Jing, et al. “Prevalence of Overweight in Hong Kong Chinese Children: Its Associations with Family, Early-Life Development and Behaviors-Related Factors.” Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, vol. 15, no. 2, Dec. 2017, pp. 89–95, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1728869X17301478, 10.1016/j.jesf.2017.10.001. Accessed 01.11.21.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2003-2004

Survey type:Measured
Age:12-18
Sample size:2098
Area covered:National
References:Ko GT, Ozaki R, Wong GW, et al. The problem of obesity among adolescents in Hong Kong: a comparison using various diagnostic criteria. BMC Pediatr. 2008;8:10. Published 2008 Mar 4. doi:10.1186/1471-2431-8-10
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1993

Survey type:Measured
Age:10
Sample size:Boys = 661 Girls = 623
References:Bellizzi MC, Horgan GW, Guillaume M, Dietz WH. Prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity in Asian and European countries. In: Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence. Editors: Chunming Chen, William H. Dietz. Nestle Nutrition Workshop Series Pediatric Program. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2002.
Notes:IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by education

Children, 2015

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:9-12
Sample size:894
Area covered:Regional - 2 regions and 5 schools
References:Wang, Jing Jing, et al. “Prevalence of Overweight in Hong Kong Chinese Children: Its Associations with Family, Early-Life Development and Behaviors-Related Factors.” Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, vol. 15, no. 2, Dec. 2017, pp. 89–95, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1728869X17301478, 10.1016/j.jesf.2017.10.001. Accessed 01.11.21.
Definitions:Paternal highest education attained
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2020-2022

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:2072
Area covered:National
References:Report of Population Health Survey 2020-22 (Part II) https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/dh_phs_2020-22_part_2_report_eng.pdf (Accessed 28.04.23)
Notes:The fieldwork of heath examination was conducted between March 2021 and February 2022.
Definitions:Based on WHO classification of BMI for Asian adults.
Cutoffs:WHO
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:1976
Area covered:National
References:Report of Population Health Survey 2014/15 (Chapter 9, Centre for Health Protection Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Available at https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/51256.html (last accessed 01.04.2020)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2015

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:894
Area covered:Regional - 2 regions and 5 schools
References:Wang, Jing Jing, et al. “Prevalence of Overweight in Hong Kong Chinese Children: Its Associations with Family, Early-Life Development and Behaviors-Related Factors.” Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, vol. 15, no. 2, Dec. 2017, pp. 89–95, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1728869X17301478, 10.1016/j.jesf.2017.10.001. Accessed 01.11.21.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2003-2004

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:2098
Area covered:National
References:Ko GT, Ozaki R, Wong GW, et al. The problem of obesity among adolescents in Hong Kong: a comparison using various diagnostic criteria. BMC Pediatr. 2008;8:10. Published 2008 Mar 4. doi:10.1186/1471-2431-8-10
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Adults, 2020-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-84
Sample size:2072
Area covered:National
References:Report of Population Health Survey 2020-22 (Part II) https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/dh_phs_2020-22_part_2_report_eng.pdf (Accessed 28.04.23)
Notes:The fieldwork of heath examination was conducted between March 2021 and February 2022.
Definitions:Based on WHO classification of BMI for Asian adults.
Cutoffs:WHO
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-84
Sample size:1976
Area covered:National
References:Report of Population Health Survey 2014/15 (Chapter 9, Centre for Health Protection Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Available at https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/51256.html (last accessed 01.04.2020)
Notes:Monthly Income
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2015

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:9-12
Sample size:894
Area covered:Regional - 2 regions and 5 schools
References:Wang, Jing Jing, et al. “Prevalence of Overweight in Hong Kong Chinese Children: Its Associations with Family, Early-Life Development and Behaviors-Related Factors.” Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, vol. 15, no. 2, Dec. 2017, pp. 89–95, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1728869X17301478, 10.1016/j.jesf.2017.10.001. Accessed 01.11.21.
Definitions:Monthly household income (HKD)
Cutoffs:IOTF

Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Policies, Interventions and Actions

Go, 膏 Go! Running Programme

Running club with aim to lose at least 5% body weight

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Hong Kong Obesity Society
Find out more:www.hkobesity.org

Nutrition Guidelines For Children Aged 2 to 6

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Centre for Health Promotion
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Nutrition Guidelines For Children Aged 2 to 6 For Kindergartens and Child Care Centres Revised 2018. Centre for Health Promotion & Department of Health Hong Kong

Strategy & Action Plan to Prevent & Control NCD in Hong Kong, Toward 2025.

Aligning with the WHO’s Global NCD Action Plan, the SAP focuses on four NCD (namely cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes) and four shared behavioural risk factors (namely unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol) that are potentially preventable or modifiable and have significant impact on population health.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Health Hong Kong
Find out more:www.change4health.gov.hk
Linked document:Download linked document

Physical Fitness Challenge Day 2015

Part of the Healthy Exercise for All Campaign, The Physical Fitness Challenge Day 2015 features physical fitness tests in three areas, namely physical measurements, cardio-respiratory function and fitness performance.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Department of Health (DH)
Find out more:www.lcsd.gov.hk

Fitness programmes for children

It aims at raising the public's interest in exercising and encouraging them to exercise regularly so that they can understand the benefits of exercising to health. Thus the prevalence of childhood obesity will be controlled or reduced.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Leisure and Cultural Service Department
Find out more:www.lcsd.gov.hk

Hiking Scheme

According to the findings of the “Healthy Exercise for All Campaign ?Physical Fitness Test for the Community” announced in 2012, hiking is one of the most popular physical activities among the general This campaign aims to promote this activity and a culture of regular exercise in families through the appreciation of the fun of hiking.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Health - Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Find out more:www.lcsd.gov.hk

Nutritional Guidelines on Snacks for Students

In 2006, the government's Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong issued guidelines for tuck shop operators in primary schools, as well as parents and school personnel, to guide the types of food and drink items to be allowed and promoted in the school environment for the benefit of children's health. They were revised to include secondary schools in 2010.

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Centre for Health Protection
Linked document:Download linked document

Building Healthy Cities

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2007 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Centre for Health Promotion
Linked document:Download linked document

Dance for Health

Dance for Health is one of the highlighted programmes of the "Healthy Exercise for All Campaign". Through organising a wide variety of dance play-in and dance nights, the public is encouraged to participate in dancing and foster a habit of doing exercise regularly for the benefit of physical and mental health.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2000 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Health - Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Find out more:www.lcsd.gov.hk
References:Dance for Health

Healthy Exercise Ambassadors

Famous local athletes are invited to promote the Healthy Exercise for All Campaign as Healthy Exercise Ambassadors.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2000 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Health - Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Find out more:www.lcsd.gov.hk

Healthy Exercise for All Campaign

The Campaign aims to raise the public's interest in exercising and encourages them to exercise regularly so that they can understand the benefits of exercising to health.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2000 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Department of Health (DH)
Find out more:www.lcsd.gov.hk

Rope Skipping for Fun

An intervention to help improve physical fitness and health by rope skipping. It is suggested that an accumulation of at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (at least 10 minutes per session) of moderate or above intensity will bring great benefits to health.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2000 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Health - Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Find out more:www.lcsd.gov.hk

Nutrient content lists

In Hong Kong, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving).

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Target age group:Adults and children
References:https://policydatabase.wcrf.org/level_one?page=nourishing-level-one#step2=0#step3=327

The Food Pyramid – A Guide to a Balanced Diet

Evidence based dietary guidelines. (Available in English and Traditional Chinese language)

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Centre for Health Protection
Find out more:www.chp.gov.hk

TRANSFORM

Commercial program (12 months) designed to prevent prediabetes and encourage weight loss using digital technology and health coaches

Categories (partial):Non-national obesity strategies
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Blue Messa
Linked document:Download linked document

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Present
Front-of-package labelling?Unknown
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Unknown
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Absent
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Absent
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Absent
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Absent
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Present-(voluntary)
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Absent
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Absent
National obesity strategy?Absent
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Absent
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Present
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Absent
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Absent
Promotion of breastfeeding?Absent

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Absent

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Absent

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated November 27, 2022

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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