The first guidelines for doctors from Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia for treating patients with obesity are being drawn up. But Professor Ian Caterson, member of the International Obesity Taskforce, said he was worried over their implementation in the SAR as Hong Kong did not have an organisation that dealt solely with obesity. Under the guidelines, doctors should use standard procedures to treat obesity and try to avoid the use of drugs in initial treatment. Doctors should determine appropriate goals for patients in a weight-watching programme. Treatment could then start with a lifestyle programme such as low-fat eating and regular exercise, Professor Caterson said. If there was no substantial weight loss after six weeks, doctors should use the anti-obesity drug Orlistat, sold as Xenical, he said. Xenical can block absorption of fats by up to a third. This differs from the traditional method, appetite suppression. Professor Caterson said Xenical, available in Hong Kong since August, could also be used to combat diabetes.
