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Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (April 23):
Question:
Data from the Department of Health reveal that the obesity problem among primary school students is worsening, with the obesity rate increasing from 19.4% in 2005-2006 to 20.2% in 2006-2007. The causes can be attributed to such factors as children's life style and their eating habits, etc., which include their preference for foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt (generally referred to as "junk food"). Obesity not only affects children's physical and psychological development, but also increases their risk of developing a number of chronic diseases in the future, which in turn adds to the burden of health care on the community. In view of this, the authorities in the United Kingdom have, since last year, gradually imposed a ban on the broadcast of junk food advertisements during or soon before and after children's television (TV) programmes and programmes which are especially popular with children under 16. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether, apart from keeping up its efforts to promote EatSmart in schools, it will, following the practice in the United Kingdom, restrict the broadcast of junk food TV advertisements during children's programmes or family viewing time, and regulate the contents of such advertisements, so as to reduce children's access to information about such food, thereby promoting the development of healthy eating habits among children from childhood; if not, of the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
Generally speaking, childhood obesity is mainly attributable to two factors: first, unhealthy eating habits, such as high consumption of unhealthy foods (including foods high in fat, sugar, salt or low in nutrient levels) with low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and second, inadequate exercise. Both factors are closely related to the lifestyle of individuals. Hence, to effectively address obesity, we should start with changing our living habits.
Adopting and consolidating a healthy eating habit and performing regular exercise since childhood help prevent various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer. The most effective way to help children develop healthy living habits is by publicity and education. As such, the Government has been disseminating knowledge of healthy eating and benefits of exercise to school children through various channels. Apart from this, the Government also works with the community, schools, the trade and parents to create a favourable environment conducive to developing healthy lifestyle among children. The "EatSmart@school.hk" Campaign and the "Eatsmart@restaurant.hk" Campaign are two such examples.
Realising the influence of the mass media on children, the Department of Health has been disseminating information on healthy lifestyle through the mass media and different channels to the public. To tackle childhood obesity, we will continue with our publicity and educational efforts and strive to build a favourable environment to facilitate children to make healthy food choices and exercise. At this stage, the Government is open-minded about the regulation of food advertisements. We have to gather more evidence, draw on the practical experiences of other countries and places, and listen to the opinions of experts and the public.
Ends/Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:45
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