Hong Kong Health Chief Tells Lawmakers to Start Exercising

Hong Kong's health chief has told some of city's plumper legislators to lose weight amid concerns about rising obesity rates in the southern Chinese territory.

"I see some fat legislators in this council... and secretaries too," York Chow told Hong Kong's Legislative Council.

"We should lead by example for our citizens."

Chow's remarks prompted lawmaker Frederick Fung to insist he had been working out for the past six years.

"I have been keeping fit since 2004... so that would not be me," Fung said during the session on Wednesday.

Another lawmaker, Ip Wai-ming, who weighs around 65 kilograms (140 pounds), vowed to slim down but said any unwanted pounds were likely due to his gruelling work schedule.

"I've gained weight after joining (the Legislative Council) since I'm flooded with work and have no time for exercise," said Ip, local media reported on Thursday.

"I wish I could be slimmer and I'll try my best to do some indoor exercises on Sundays," he added.

The obesity rate among Hong Kong schoolchildren rose from 16.7 percent in 1996-1997 to 22.2 percent in 2008-2009, while 3.5 percent of Hong Kong adults were classified as obese last year, Chow said.

Source: AFP