The battle of the bulge has spilled into the workplace in Hong Kong as office staff are increasingly leading a sedentary life. Overweight employees are eating more and exercising less in Hong Kong, and this is leading to an increase in the number of people suffering from heart disease and diabetes. Not helping matters is Hongkongers' penchant for working long hours, which can increase stress levels.
Computers and advanced technology are also blamed for unhealthy office environments where physical activity in the workplace is reduced to an absolute minimum.
The only form of exercise is limited to walking down the corridor to get to the toilet or making a cup of tea.
It's not just Hongkongers whose waistlines are expanding. It's a global problem.
So much so, companies are waking up to the problem as they have come to realise that productivity - and profitability - is directly related to the health of their employees. A growing number of companies in Hong Kong have, or are putting in place, fitness programmes to promote healthy lifestyles - and encourage staff to shed those extra kilograms.
According to a recent survey by global market research company Synovate - in which 9,000 people across 13 countries and territories, including Hong Kong, were interviewed - most people believed that unhealthy food, unhealthy eating habits, such as eating at irregular hours, and a lack of exercise were major factors contributing to weight and health problems. For many, the most popular way to address weight problems is to simply diet.
However, results don't often match the set target. And needless to say, excessive dieting can also lead to a variety of health problems.