Lede
A coalition of Hong Kong celebrities, including veteran actress Fung So-bo, actress Kathy Tong, and members of the pop group Lolly Talk, have joined forces with the Hong Kong Diabetes Association to produce a short film titled Waist Beans (Yue Dou) for the organization’s 30th anniversary. The project aims to spotlight the link between diabetes and kidney disease, urging early detection and lifestyle changes.
Body
The film, released publicly this week, centers on a stubborn sweet shop owner played by Fung So-bo, affectionately known as “Por Jie.” Her character, “Sugar Auntie,” refuses to listen to medical advice and believes her years of living with diabetes have made her an expert. But in reality, Fung says she follows her doctor’s orders strictly. “I take my medication as prescribed and stick to dietary restrictions,” she told reporters during filming. “My friends worry more than I do—they even buy health foods for me.”
Fung took the opportunity to consult on-set doctors, quipping that cutting out sugar entirely is the fastest path to weight loss. “Eliminate all sweets, cakes, and sugary drinks, and you can drop a dress size in a month,” she said.
Kathy Tong, who plays a character who delays seeking medical help, admitted she shares that tendency in real life. But becoming a mother changed her perspective. “After filming Waist Beans, I learned that diabetics are at high risk for kidney disease,” she said. “Now I remind my loved ones to check not only their blood sugar but also their kidney function and albumin levels to prevent diabetic nephropathy.”
Actor Law Tin-chi revealed he suffers from high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol—commonly known as “the three highs”—and said his doctor has ordered strict management. “As you get older, you start to fear death,” he said. “I tell my friends to get annual kidney checks.”
Actor To Yiu-ming, who portrays a patient with severely declining kidney function requiring dialysis, researched the condition intensively. He learned that patients often speak weakly and move slowly, so he deliberately reduced his sleep before shooting to adopt a sluggish rhythm.
Lolly Talk member Wong Man-kiu, who plays Fung’s granddaughter in the film, admitted she was so nervous working with seasoned actors that she lost sleep. A former sugar addict who ate chocolate daily, she said listening to doctors on set scared her straight. “I’ve stopped indulging. Now when I order bubble tea, I choose low sugar,” she said. “And I always remind my elders to protect their heart and kidney health.”
Broader Impact
According to the Hong Kong Diabetes Association, one in 10 Hong Kong adults has diabetes, and nearly half of those patients will develop chronic kidney disease if not properly managed. The group emphasizes that simple annual urine tests can detect early signs of kidney damage, allowing for timely intervention.
The film Waist Beans is available for free viewing on the association’s website and social media channels. Organizers hope the star power and relatable storylines will encourage viewers—especially younger generations—to become health advocates within their families. For those seeking more information, the association offers a downloadable guide on diabetes-related kidney care and a list of free screening events across the city.
