Fat children risk health problems

Childhood obesity is becoming an issue in Hong Kong. Many children do not do enough physical activity. They are encouraged to focus on academic performance, not fitness. Children should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and this would help them lose weight.

In addition, many children do not have a healthy diet. They love fast food and soft drinks.

I think the government should promote physical activity among children. Having more PE lessons would help. Also, schools could promote healthier food by holding activities, such as 'fruit days'.

Parents should teach children the importance of being healthy. Obesity can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Healthy children lead to a healthy community.

Suen Ka-hang, Maryknoll Fathers' School

From the Editor

Thank you for your letter, Ka-hang. Obesity has long been a problem in the West, but it seems that increasing numbers of Asians are becoming dangerously overweight.

Poor diets are definitely part of the problem, but Hongkongers are also just not active enough. When we have spare time, we prefer to spend it watching TV, surfing the internet, playing video games or sleeping. Unless they're on a sports team at school, very few teenagers make the time to exercise. Not only is exercise good for our bodies, it can increase our brain power.

As you say, obesity can have serious consequences for our health. It can also affect your mental health, because as you put on weight, it becomes harder to do physical things and keep up with your friends, which can make you feel sad.

We should all make the effort to stay healthy. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, with lots of fruit and veggies. And make sure you do some exercise every day. Even half an hour of walking around, even in a shopping mall, is better than nothing.

Karly, Deputy Editor