Overweight and obesity are one of the major concerns. According to the statistics on overweight and obesity among local youth (Centre for Health Protection, 2020), the rate of that of secondary school students increased significantly from 2018/19 to 2019/20. Another study conducted in 2021 share equivalent result. The prevalence of obesity among school students found to be increased from 13.7%, the second half year of 2019, to 15.4%, the second half year of 2020 (Jenssen et al., 2021). The physical health condition, as well as mental health of students raised the awareness of the public. Overweight and obesity increase the risk of the development of cardiovascular diseases. Stigmatization, low self-esteem, and low confidence will also be the psychological impacts of obesity. Prevention and intervention are needed to put a stop to this increasing trend.

 

The decline in the level of physical activity is a crucial factor of causing the increasing rate of overweight and obesity of children. However, the influences of unhealthy diet must not be underestimated. A study conducted before the Covid-19 pandemic revealed low level of healthy eating habit among secondary school students (Cerin et al., 2019). Studies have showed that the condition has worsen due to the lockdown measures. Students tend to have unhealthy dieting changes when they are not in school (Brazendale et al., 2017). There was decreasing trend of consumption of healthy diet, which was 12.4% in fresh fruit, 7.2% in vegetables, 11.0% in soybean products, and 11.7% in dairy products (Jia et al., 2021). While another research showed that around 30% of students increased frequency of consuming unhealthy takeaway food, and around one-fifth of students increased the consumption of soft drinks, desserts and crispy food (Lee et al., 2021). Associated with inactivity, the unhealthy diet changes may lead to overweight and obesity of secondary school students.

 

Psychological condition is another impact on life of secondary school students. According to a study in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, participants experienced increased stress and moderate to severe levels of depression symptoms due to the changes in physical health and social contact (Fong et al., 2020). An article also indicated the relationship between unhealthy dietary patterns or quality and poorer mental health (O’Neil et al., 2014). The rising trend of unhealthy diet becomes the potential factor of the increase of development of depression and anxiety under the lockdown measures.

 

Other than the impact under Covid-19 pandemic, the misconception of body image and weight control behaviors of secondary school students are concerning. According to a study in 2007, adolescents tend to have inaccurate body weight perception comparing with BMI calculated from either self-reported or measured height and weight (Cheung et al., 2007). This disagreement has significant gender difference as the results showed that female tended to consider themselves to be overweight and male tended to consider themselves to be underweight. With the misperception of body weight, female adolescents are engaged in looking for variety of weight control methods, such as restrict caloric intake, self-medicate, or purge, which is worrisome. The study also mentioned the positive correlation between the misbehaviors and low self-esteem, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use. It is critical for secondary school students to receive precise and understandable dieting resources.

 

With the enhancement on the usage of internet teaching and learning resources, this project aimed to filter and sum up the useful and knowledgeable information for secondary school students. The project also offered a platform for students to interact with others and record their progress of building a healthy dieting habit under the Covid-19 pandemic. Ultimately, to promote and shape a healthier eating habit for them.