The Hong Kong Association for the Study of Obesity on Sunday urged Hong Kong people, especially those of working age, to exercise more and eat healthier, as the group warned that more than 200 diseases are linked to obesity.

Speaking ahead of World Obesity Day on Monday, Dr Andrea Luk, the association's president, cited government figures showing that more than half of adults in Hong Kong are overweight or obese - 20 per cent more than two decades ago.

She added that the biggest increase in obesity was among people aged 25 to 44.

“Working age groups, in particular, are the most susceptible to gaining weight or neglect such an issue, because they have other life priorities, such as work or family issues, leaving them little time to pay attention to a healthier lifestyle to exercise,” she told RTHK.

Luk also mentioned that men are more likely to be obese than women.

She added that obesity is linked to many diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer.

She advised the public to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week and to watch the calories in the food they eat.