Almost half of Hongkongers have unhealthy BMI and cholesterol, study suggests (even those who look slim)
Some 69 per cent of men – against only 33 per cent of women – found with unhealthy BMI levels
Almost half of Hongkongers are falling short on important health targets, including those of slim build, a survey conducted by a private clinic group has found.
Quality Healthcare tested 22,041 patients between July 2014 and June 2015.
Almost half of those tested exceeded healthy scores for Body Mass Index (BMI) and cholesterol, and 39 per cent had an unhealthy level of low-density lipoprotein, or the “bad cholesterol”.
The study showed that even people with slim bodies, who may look healthy from the outside, could be below standards in important ways. For instance, 40 per cent of people with normal weight – BMI below 23 – were found to have high total cholesterol.
Dietician Elaine Hsieh Yee-ling said she had seen many men with slim builds, but who carried a paunch and had higher levels of bad cholesterol.
“Some people might think skipping chocolate and candies and having biscuits instead for snacks would be healthier. But food containing high carbohydrates would lead to an increase of glucose and triglyceride,” Hsieh said.