"I'm So Smart" Community Health Promotion Programme Recognition Ceremony held by DH encourages cross-sectoral co-operation to promote healthy lifestyle (with photos)
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Addressing the recognition ceremony, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui, said, "The DH launched the 'I'm So Smart' Community Health Promotion Programme in 2012 to promote the messages of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and obesity prevention through cross-sectoral collaboration so that they become rooted in the hearts of the general public for practice in their daily life. We are grateful for the staunch support from the community. In 2024-2025, the number of participating organisations reached a record high of 124, with nearly 60,000 participants joining different health promotion activities across the territory gaining insights of the importance of a healthy lifestyle."
Different global studies show that increased obesity is associated with higher mortality rates. Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, certain cancers, musculoskeletal disorders and sleep apnoea.
"The primary cause of obesity is more calories consumed than expended. Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a healthy diet, engaging in more physical activities and reducing the sedentary time can effectively reduce the risk of chronic diseases," Dr Tsui added.
According to the Population Health Survey (PHS) 2020-22 conducted by the DH, the prevalence of being overweight and obesity among people increased from 50 per cent in 2014-15 to 54.6 per cent in 2020-22. In Hong Kong, a body mass index (BMI) from 23 to less than 25 is regarded as being overweight in adults, while a BMI of 25 or more is considered obese.
The Health Behaviour Survey 2023 conducted by the DH revealed that unhealthy but modifiable lifestyle practices are common among the Hong Kong population. Ninety-seven per cent of persons aged 15 or above had an inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, consuming less than 400 grams or at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Moreover, 14.8 per cent of the population aged 18 or above did not meet the level of physical activities as recommended by WHO, in terms of doing moderate-intensity aerobic physical activities for at least 150 to 300 minutes, or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activities for at least 75 to 150 minutes, or any equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activities per week.
The Thematic Report on Iron Status of PHS results also revealed that the prevalence of iron deficiency among the local population aged 15 to 84 was about 5.7 per cent, whereas that for women of reproductive age (aged 15 to 49) reached 17.5 per cent. Inadequate iron intake or excessive iron loss, for example, during menstruation among females, can both lead to iron deficiency. A prolonged deficiency may result in iron deficiency anaemia, which is associated with increased risks of preterm labour in early pregnancy, infant mortalities or a low weight at their birth. Women of reproductive age are advised to pay special attention to their diet to include iron-rich food to ensure adequate iron intake.
Dr Tsui said, "We call on the public's continued participation in a series of activities to be rolled out in 2025-26 under the 'I'm So Smart' Community Health Promotion Programme, which have an emphasis on self-body weight management while advocating consumption of iron-rich food and regular walking to maintain health."
Other officiating guests at today's ceremony included Senior Housing Manager of the Housing Department Mr Ray Pang; the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, Dr Raymond Sum; and Executive Committee member of the Hong Kong Dietitians Association Mr Matthew Fung.
Ends/Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:30
Issued at HKT 17:30
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