Opinion Survey on Cortisol and its Health Impacts</b>Back


 

Date of Release : 11 November 2003

 
 

90% Hong Kong Working Population Suffering From 3 or More
Stress Hormone Induced Health Problems.
HKU Survey Reveals Impacts of Stress Hormone -- A Time Bomb On Health

 
 

The majority of Hong Kong working population is under long-term stress these days, and there is nothing new about it. What many people are not aware of, are the chronic health consequences induced by stress hormone cortisol, including mental health problems, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

 
 

Results of a recent survey conducted by The University of Hong Kong Public Opinion Programme show that 90% respondents who are full time workers have three or more stress hormone induced health problems. It is alarming that 10% of them experienced more than 10 stress hormone induced health problems!

 
 

To understand Hong Kong working population's awareness of stress hormone cortisol and their experiences of different stress hormone induced health problems, BRAND'S has commissioned The University of Hong Kong Public Opinion Programme to conduct a survey, known as , through phone interviews in late October, and was participated by 610 men and women aged between 18-49 who are full time workers. Major findings of the survey were announced by Dr. Chung Ting Yiu, Programme Director of the Public Opinion Programme at a press conference today.

 
 

Survey shows respondents have experienced multiple stress hormone induced health problems in the past 12 months

 
 

Survey shows over half of Hong Kong working population claimed they are under stress (54%), among which 73% claimed they are more stressed out compared to last year. Respondents have also experienced the following stress hormone induced health problems in the past 12 months:

 
 

 Feeling tired for no reason   (72%) 
 Bad temper   (72%) 
 Mood swing   (69%) 
 Poor sleep quality or insomnia   (65%) 
 Lack of concentration/endurance   (62%) 
 Weakened immunity   (60%) 
 Bad memory   (59%) 
 Headache or shoulder muscle fatigue   (56%) 
 Waistline (Male>30 inch, female>28 inch)   (53%) 
 Digestive discomfort/constipation   (48%) 

 
 

Stress hormone induced health problems affect work, family and social life

 
 

Respondents expressed these stress hormone induced health problems have affected their:

  • Work: 62%
  • Family life: 38%
  • Social life: 27% Among those who claimed that stress hormone induced health problems affect their work, the respondents claimed the health problems are affecting their work efficiency (84%), damaging the relationships with superior(s) and peers (29%) and causing the application of more sick leaves (29%).

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    Only 25% respondents have heard of cortisol, yet most of them undermine its importance

     
     

    Despite that stress hormone cortisol is the culprit of the health problems associated with chronic stress, only 25% of the respondents have heard of "cortisol". Even worse, most of them are only aware of its mood related impacts, rather than its association with chronic diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases).

     
      Expert Advises on Potential Impacts Associated with Prolonged, High Level of Cortisol
     
     

    Dr. Leung Yiu Kin, Associate Professor, Psychology Department, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, expressed that prolonged exposure to high level of stress triggers the release of a stress hormone called cortisol. As cortisol breakdowns proteins and body fat to glucose to increase long-term energy supply to cope with stress, prolonged hypercortisolism would cause:

  • Suppression of immunity (lack of white blood cells)
  • Inability to repair damaged cells
  • The problem that the brain stops thinking about pleasurable things and instead focusing on potential threats, therefore, increasing anxiety and depression
  • Damage of brain cells, affecting memory, sleep quality and concentration
  • Cardiovascular diseases (such as stroke, heart diseases)
  • Diabetes Dr. Leung Yiu Kin reminded the public to be more careful as very often people are not aware of the fact that their bodies are suffering from the impacts of stress hormone cortisol. People should avoid paying a high price on stress.

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    Dr. Chung Ting Yiu expressed that while unemployment rate is still high, the working population have to constantly "add value" to their work. Yet, they are still facing salary freeze or cut in the coming year. Having to face pressure from work, finance and family, no wonder Hong Kong working population is so stressful. To prevent stress-induced health problems, it is important for Hong Kong workers to properly relieve the stress from work, family and social life.

     
     

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    About BRAND'S

     
     

    BRAND'S Essence of Chicken, with a history of over 165 years, is the flagship product of Cerebos and the category leader in all of its major markets, including Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and China.

     
     

    Cerebos Pacific Limited is a leading food and health supplements company with its corporate headquarters in Singapore. It is a company listed on the Singapore Exchange, providing management services to subsidiaries and associate companies in the Asia Pacific. Cerebos (Hong Kong) Ltd. is a subsidiary of Cerebos Pacific Limited.

     
     

    Media Contact:
    Wendy Tong (Grey Healthcare)
    Tel: 2510 6794 / 9277-4127

     
     

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