More and more young children suffer from chronic illnesses which are closely related to the increasing overweight problem among children and teenagers, a survey by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) revealed.

Conducted in 2003 and 2004, the survey covered 2,115 students between 11 and 18 years old from 14 secondary schools.

The survey found that 42 per cent of students interviewed were having excessive body weight, high blood pressure, high blood sugar or abnormal blood fat levels.

It was also found that 5 per cent of students - 3 per cent boys and 2 per cent girls could be suffering from the syndrome. One is said to have metabolic syndrome while one has three or more of the above conditions.

Having metabolic syndrome will increase risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, diabetes and cancer.

"The survey shows there is a young onset trend of chronic illnesses in children," said Juliana Chan, Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics at CUHK. "Conditions like high blood pressure should only be found in adults aged between 40 to 60. Five per cent is a high percentage to be found among children."

More children were suffering from metabolic syndrome because the problem of overweight among children was becoming serious nowadays due to children's unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, she said.

It takes 10 to 20 years to cause organ damage when the children reach the age of 40 to 50, the period they would be contributing most to society, she said.

If more young people continue to develop chronic illnesses, it would put a great burden to Hong Kong's medical system, she said.

The survey also found that general obesity, family history of diabetes and studying in schools with lower academic performance increased risk of having metabolic syndrome.

Chan said they needed further study on the cause and effect between schools and family.

Regina Ching, Assistant Director of Health, said to put more emphasis on the message of healthy eating, they would begin an education campaign at primary schools level. This will lead to good eating habit among the children when they attend secondary schools in future.

To promote healthy eating in the community, the departments concerned would start a series of education and publicity programmes like launching a thematic and informative website (www.eatsmart.gov.hk) for schools, parents, students and food suppliers.