Fat or Skinny Fat: Both Can Harm Your Health | Join the Anti-Obesity Health Base: Outsmart the Obesity Threat Together

HONG KONG, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong is a world-renowned food paradise, offering everything from local snacks like fish balls and egg waffles to Michelin-starred culinary experiences. However, maintaining a healthy weight amidst fast-paced lifestyles, high pressure, and even genetic factors has become a relentless battle. Excessive fat accumulation poses significant health risks, and even those with a seemingly slender physique can fall into the trap of obesity. Today, obesity is no longer just a cosmetic concern; it is classified as a chronic, relapsing disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). Thus, weight loss and anti-obesity measures are now essential strategies for preserving health, not just for aesthetic reasons.

To deepen public understanding of the health threats posed by obesity, Novo Nordisk Hong Kong—driven by its commitment as a leader and pioneer in obesity management—is proud to support the "Anti-Obesity Health Base" campaign. This event offers the public the opportunity to learn about their true weight health status, while also understanding the associated harms and complications of obesity through engaging virtual games and informative exhibits. Adding a unique layer of local charm, the campaign features exclusive illustrations by the beloved homegrown illustrator brand "Maggiemarket." From interactive games and photo spots to the exhibition zones, Maggiemarket's playful characters will be there to guide and entertain participants throughout the entire experience.

Anti-Obesity Health Base
Location: Atrium, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening Hours: February 24 (TUE) to March 4 (WED), 2026, from 12 PM to 8 PM
Event Highlights:

• Maggiemarket photo spots
• Body mass index (BMI) & waist measurement station
• Interactive games, exciting prizes, and an instant photo booth
• Complimentary anti-obesity four-frame photo booth experience*
• Souvenir giveaways, including anti-obesity motivational keychains*
  *Limited quantities available; first-come, first-served until supplies last

How Common is Obesity in Hong Kong?
Obesity is a widespread issue in Hong Kong and around the world. According to the Department of Health, over half of the local population aged 15 and above are classified as overweight or obese, with approximately 44% of those aged 25 to 34 and over 61% in middle age^[1]. In Hong Kong, an adult is considered overweight with a BMI of 23 to 25, while a BMI over 25 classifies them as obese^[2].

Additionally, central obesity can occur even with a normal BMI. Waist circumference is a key indicator: a measurement of 90 cm (35.4 inches) or more for men, or 80 cm (31.5 inches) or more for women, may signal obesity risks^{[4] & [6]}.

Globally, the scale is immense. WHO data shows that over 2.5 billion adults are overweight or obese, a condition that also affects nearly 450 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19^[3].

Why Should Obesity Be Addressed as a Disease?
Many dismiss obesity as merely an issue of appearance, but it is often the root of numerous health issues. Increasing evidence shows that obese individuals are at a higher risk for several conditions, including hypertension, arthritis, fatty liver, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, and even multiple types of cancer^{[4] & [5]}. The global toll is severe: in 2021 alone, high BMI was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide^[3].

Moreover, obesity imposes a heavy psychological and functional burden. It can lead to breathing difficulties, mobility issues, back pain, sleep disorders, fatigue, reduced productivity, depression, and anxiety^[5]—impeding daily life, work, and social interactions.

Why Is Weight Control Crucial for Health?
Weight gain is often the result of an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure, influenced by a complex mix of genetic, environmental, psychological, and social factors^[3].

Since obesity arises from multiple factors, simply dieting and exercising may not be sufficient to overcome it. Seeking professional medical advice can help achieve effective and targeted weight management. WHO has also included safe and effective pharmacotherapy as one of the recommended options within comprehensive obesity management guidelines^[3].

Join the Anti-Obesity Health Base Together!
Supported by Novo Nordisk Hong Kong, the Anti-Obesity Health Base aims to raise awareness of obesity and encourage everyone to fight against it!

The Anti-Obesity Health Base is divided into various zones, offering a range of activities and information:

• BMI & Waist Measurement Station: Even if you appear slim, the results may surprise you! Let's find out if you're at risk. Get your BMI and waist circumference measured to reveal hidden risks like central obesity that aren't visible.
• Interactive Games (Pedaling in Place & "Weight No More" Health Defender): Understand how obesity is linked to serious diseases. Play our immersive virtual games to battle obesity-related health risks and learn about the various conditions it can cause.
• "Guess Who Has Obesity?" Exhibition: Listen to personal stories from different patients. Guess who is obese, challenging the assumption that health status can be judged by appearance alone.
• Giant Capsule Toy Machine: Discover the real impact of obesity on physical and mental health through educational videos. Try your luck at the capsule toy machine to win prizes like keychains featuring our "Anti-Obesity" slogans.
• Maggiemarket Photo Spots: Capture the moment with a complimentary four-frame photo at our themed booth. Limited quantities available, first-come, first-served.

The Anti-Obesity Health Base is all set and invites everyone to join us. It's time to truly understand obesity, recognize your personal risks, and take proactive steps to tackle obesity for your health!

References

1. Department of Health. Report of Population Health Survey 2020-22 (Part II).

2. CHP. Obesity. https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/25/8802.html

3. WHO. Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

4. WHO Western Pacific Region. The Asia-Pacific perspective: Redefining obesity and its treatment. https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/53228dc6-9520-421b-b5a2-f826967090cb/content

5. NHS. Obesity. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/

6. The IDF consensus worldwide de­finition of the Metabolic Syndrome. https://idf.org/media/uploads/2023/05/attachments-30.pdf

References

1. Department of Health. Report of Population Health Survey 2020-22 (Part II).

2. CHP. Obesity. https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/25/8802.html 

3. WHO. Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight 

4. WHO Western Pacific Region. The Asia-Pacific perspective: Redefining obesity and its treatment. https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/53228dc6-9520-421b-b5a2-f826967090cb/content 

5. NHS. Obesity. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/

6. The IDF consensus worldwide de­finition of the Metabolic Syndrome. https://idf.org/media/uploads/2023/05/attachments-30.pdf

 

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Fat or Skinny Fat: Both Can Harm Your Health | Join the Anti-Obesity Health Base: Outsmart the Obesity Threat Together

SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Klook, a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, today announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB).

This collaboration reflects a broader shift toward discovery-led destination development, bringing together Klook's data and digital infrastructure with OCTB's on-the-ground expertise to shape how travelers experience Osaka beyond its city center.

Under the MoU, Klook and OCTB will collaborate on joint content development and online promotions, mutual data sharing and analysis to better understand inbound travel behavior, sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at managing visitor flows, and deployment of digital solutions to enhance traveler convenience and support local tourism stakeholders.

"Osaka tourism is currently at a structural turning point. Beyond simply increasing visitor numbers, it is essential to create experiential value across the entire prefecture and to pursue continuous improvement based on data. This partnership aims to refine the unique strengths of each municipality into market-ready products and to create an environment in which travelers can more easily discover new and exciting experiences. By combining Klook's market data and expertise with OCTB's research capabilities and regional knowledge, we will work together to build effective strategies that achieve both broader economic impact and sustainable growth," says Hiroshi Mizohata, Chairman of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau.

From Gateway City to Regional Ecosystem

Insights from Klook's Travel Pulse 2026, an annual study surveying 11,000 travelers across 20 markets, signal strong global momentum behind Osaka.

Among travelers who have selected Japan as their must-visit destination in 2026, 48.6% plan to include Osaka in their itinerary. Intent is stronger among Millennials (53.4%), outpacing Gen Z travelers (43.5%). Given Millennials' higher spending power, this signals positive momentum for tourism spending in Osaka.

Osaka is evolving not only as a destination in its own right, but increasingly as a key gateway connecting travelers to surrounding regions.

Klook's owned platform data over the past 12 months reinforces this shift, with mobility-related bookings — from JR Kansai passes and Shinkansen tickets to car rentals — as one of the top categories in Japan. This suggests that inbound travelers are exploring the destination more extensively.

Together, these signals point to a broader evolution in travel behavior: major cities are becoming launchpads for multi-destination journeys, underscoring the growing importance of regional connectivity and curated experiences across prefectural areas.

Advancing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth

Beyond marketing collaboration, the MoU reflects a broader shift toward digital-first destination management. Initiatives under the partnership will explore new technologies, including digital content solutions and audio guide capabilities, to enhance the visitor journey while supporting local businesses as they adapt to evolving travel behaviors.

"At Klook, we see platforms as infrastructure for discovery. Insights from Travel Pulse show that travelers are moving beyond single-city itineraries, and partnerships like this allow us to translate those signals into real-world experiences," says Wataru Masuda, General Manager, Klook Japan.

"Working closely with OCTB enables us to connect data, technology, and storytelling to help travelers explore Osaka more thoroughly, while supporting small and medium-sized merchants beyond Osaka City in reaching global travelers through Klook's platform."

"By amplifying discovery of experiences across the wider prefecture, we aim to encourage more balanced visitor flows that benefit local communities," he says.

As destinations increasingly look toward distributed growth, collaborations between technology platforms and tourism organizations are becoming essential in shaping travel flows — using data and discovery to distribute demand more sustainably across regions.

About Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) is a regional Destination Management Organization (DMO) supported by Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Sakai City, and the Kansai business community. Certified by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2016, OCTB leads tourism promotion across Osaka under an "All Osaka" framework.

OCTB is responsible for developing and implementing tourism strategies grounded in strategic marketing and data-driven insights. By identifying, enhancing, and promoting tourism assets throughout the prefecture, OCTB works closely with municipalities, tourism operators, transportation providers, and industry partners to build a sustainable, high-value tourism model.

In addition, OCTB strengthens Osaka's international competitiveness through MICE promotion and the development of tourism-related information infrastructure.

About Klook

Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler. Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Klook and Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau sign MoU to advance inbound tourism and foster socio-economic development throughout Osaka Prefecture