The epidemic of non-communicable diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), is escalating and widely acknowledged in industrialized nations, while the interconnection of these diseases has been collectively conceptualized as the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome1. The conceptualization of CKM syndrome enables a multidisciplinary approach in the risk stratification, early prevention, and treatment of the vicious circle generated by the interaction among disease components. In addition to specialist care, the involvement of primary care is vital for providing holistic care for patients with CKM syndrome. Accordingly, in a recent symposium titled “Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome: Why and How It Matters for Every Primary Care Physician” jointly organized by the Hong Kong Society of Nephrology (HKSN), the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation (HKKF), and the Hong Kong Association of Renal Nurses (HKARN), Dr. Chow Kai Ming was invited to discuss the pathophysiology of CKM syndrome and practical issues in managing the disease.

Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, have transformed the medical management of obesity. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes and later approved for chronic weight management in people with obesity or overweight plus comorbidities, these medications are increasingly used for cosmetic weight loss by individuals with a body mass index (BMI) below 27 kg/m². Such use is considered off‑label and raises important medical, ethical, and social questions. This article examines the scientific basis of GLP‑1 therapy, the drivers of cosmetic use—particularly peer pressure and social media influence—the known and potential health risks, and how clinicians and patients should approach the benefit–risk balance when GLP‑1 medications are used outside approved indications.

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a health disorder attributable to the connections among cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. Given that each of the 3 disorders can lead to or worsen one another, the management of CKM syndrome is clinically challenging1. Accordingly, screening for CKM risk factors and timely intervention are crucial for preventing CKM syndrome and hence optimising patient outcomes. As CKM syndrome involves multiple organ systems, interdisciplinary cooperation among various specialties is essential. In particular, the primary care provided by general practitioners (GPs) plays a pivotal role in managing CKM syndrome. In the recent lecture series jointly organised by the Hong Kong Society of Nephrology (HKSN), the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation (HKKF), and the Hong Kong Association of Renal Nurses (HKARN), a panel of 6 local nephrologists was invited to discuss the pathophysiology of CKM and share their opinions to tackle this disorder.

Cognitive reserve describes the brain's capacity to adapt, compensate, and find alternate neural strategies in the face of pathology, stress, or aging. Individuals with greater cognitive reserve can maintain cognitive function despite significant neurodegenerative changes, delaying or reducing the clinical expression of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions. First described in the late 1980s through neuropathological observations, cognitive reserve has since become a central concept in brain health and preventive neurology. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that lifestyle behaviours—including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress management, social engagement, and intellectual stimulation—collectively strengthen cognitive reserve across the lifespan. This article reviews the origins and mechanisms of cognitive reserve, examines its relevance for neurodegenerative disease and life stressors, and discusses the six cornerstone lifestyle interventions identified by Harvard Medical School as essential for maintaining cognitive fitness. For healthcare professionals (HCPs), understanding and translating these principles into patient counselling offers a powerful, non-pharmacological approach to preserving brain health and functional independence.

The habit of consuming meals prepared away from home is increasingly common in urban environments like Hong Kong. A large-scale prospective cohort study provides compelling evidence that a high frequency of eating meals prepared outside the home is significantly associated with an increased risk of death from all causes. While associations with cardiovascular and cancer-specific mortality require further investigation, the findings underscore an important public health consideration. This article reviews the context of dining out in Hong Kong, summarises the key evidence linking it to mortality risk, and explores potential strategies for mitigation aimed at healthcare professionals.