CHILDREN will soon be able to find out how they measure up against their classmates with the publication of the territory's first height and weight growth chart.
The comprehensive information pack, available next month, will provide standard measurements for males and females of different ages.
Dr Sophie Leung Suk-fong, a senior lecturer in paediatrics at the Chinese University conducting research about Hong Kong children's growth, said: 'It is the most comprehensive research ever conducted in Hong Kong. And I believe it will be large scale enough to be compared with other Western countries.' About 22,800 children have been examined in the research with some now 18 years old.
Dr Leung said Hong Kong people lacked a correct weight and height standard to follow because there was no information.
The data usually recommended in newspapers or magazines referred to foreign countries and was not suitable for Chinese, she said.
'Most Chinese are born shorter than foreigners. But some of them want to grow as tall as foreigners so they eat more. But this may not help and could create an adverse effect, such as obesity,' Dr Leung said.
She will also release information about obesity in Hong Kong.