Overweight and obesity pose significant health challenges on a global scale, including in Hong Kong. Alarmingly, more than 54% of individuals aged 15-84 in Hong Kong fall into the overweight or obese category. Obesity itself serves as an independent risk factor, contributing to the development of various chronic non-communicable diseases. Unfortunately, the general public currently lacks adequate support in adopting effective strategies for managing overweight and obesity. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge among individuals regarding the selection of appropriate high-fiber foods and synbiotic products to support their health goals. At the same time, university students studying food science and nutrition, who will become future health service providers, often encounter limited chances to put their academic training into practice in real-world situations.

We will use our recently published clinical trial findings to educate the general public, overweight and obese individuals, as well as nutritionists and dietitians on the benefits of high-fibre diets and synbiotics for weight management. Our education efforts will include seminars, webinars, interviews, and focus groups. We will develop a range of engaging and informative materials such as infographics, recipes, videos, and online resources. Additionally, we will establish social media platforms and online support systems where participants can connect, share experiences, seek advice, and receive support from both peers and experts. Collaboration with healthcare professionals will further amplify our message, as they will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to utilize synbiotics for weight loss. Lastly, university students studying Food Science and Nutrition will be recruited, trained, and engaged in this project, providing them with real-life experience in nutritional services as future health service providers.

This project will establish a sustainable evidence-based community support system to address the obesity problem in Hong Kong. We will promote the use of combined high-fibre diet and synbiotics in weight management. We aspire to educate and empower the public, to make informed choices regarding synbiotics for weight management and to encourage healthy eating habits. This innovative approach offers a new pathway towards a healthier and more effective means of combating obesity, ultimately contributing to the mitigation of the obesity problem in Hong Kong.

General public, Overweight and obese people (300)
University students in Food Science and Nutrition (50)
Dieticians or nutritionists (5)

2024

Healthcare, Social Media, Well-being