Hong Kong's politicians told to lose weight
Hong Kong's politicians have been told to lose weight amid mounting concern about rising obesity rates.
Published: 9:33AM BST 21 Oct 2010
3.5 percent of Hong Kong adults were classified as obese last year Photo: PA
York Chow, Hong Kong's health chief, told the Legislative Council that they should be leading by example: "I see some fat legislators in this council... and secretaries too," he said.
"We should lead by example for our citizens." Mr Chow's remarks prompted lawmaker Frederick Fung to insist he had been working out for the past six years. "I have been keeping fit since 2004... so that would not be me," Mr Fung said during the session on Wednesday.
Another lawmaker, Ip Wai-ming, who weighs around 140 pounds, vowed to slim down but said any unwanted pounds were likely due to his gruelling work schedule. "I've gained weight after joining (the Legislative Council) since I'm flooded with work and have no time for exercise," he said.
"I wish I could be slimmer and I'll try my best to do some indoor exercises on Sundays," he added. The obesity rate among Hong Kong schoolchildren rose from 16.7 per cent in 1996-1997 to 22.2 per cent in 2008-2009, while 3.5 percent of Hong Kong adults were classified as obese last year, Chow said.
