Obesity has become a significant public health concern due to its growing prevalence and healthcare burden. In Hong Kong, a population health survey conducted by the Department of Health from 2020-22 estimated that 32.6% of individuals aged 15-84 were classified as obese (i.e. BMI ≥ 25kg/m²). Obesity is associated with a multitude of comorbidities, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, stroke, obstructive sleep apnea, various cancers, reduced quality of life, increased disability and mortality. To combat the obesity pandemic, early identification of individual with obesity and timely weight management is crucial.
Primary healthcare is the first point of contact for individuals and families in a continuous healthcare process in the living and working community, hence the forefront of weight management. The Primary Healthcare Office is steering weight management as a core service in the community-based primary healthcare system, guided by the Reference Frameworks in Primary Care setting. District Health Centres – as primary health service providers and care coordinators – provide personalised health risk assessment, Life Course Preventive Care and comprehensive lifestyle modification interventions. Exercise prescription, counselling and goal setting are offered by a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals including nurses, physiotherapists and dietitians, with community support such as exercise coaches. Family doctors monitor and manage the presence of comorbidities, and seek specialist's advice when indicated. In addition, the e-Health system empowers citizens and drives weight control through technology.
