HK Survey found most overweight or obese thought they aren't

At least 40 percent of people who are overweight or obese suffer from symptoms of obesity-related complications such as joint pain and sleep apnea, according to a study carried out by the Obesity Alliance.

The alliance, which is made up of the Chinese Medical Society, Obesity Society and Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, polled over 500 people from May to June this year.

It found that about 40 percent of those surveyed were overweight or obese. But over half thought they were not in these categories.

Almost 80 percent of those with a high body mass index (BMI) suffered from chronic illnesses, namely hypertension, high cholesterol levels and diabetes.

But over half had never tried to lose weight.

The alliance said more public education is needed to eliminate stereotypes and encourage people to face their weight problems.

It also called for the government to roll out screening for obesity at the primary healthcare level so as to provide adequate support, and to include weight loss drugs in the city’s regulatory drug list.

From RTHK News 27-Aug-2025

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