BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) has raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of obesity in the country, underlining the need for preventive measures in observance of World Obesity Day.
According to the 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), four out of ten Filipinos are either overweight or obese. Obesity significantly raises the risk of severe health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
“Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern, but a health concern,” DOH-CAR Nurse V Joyce Rillorta stressed.
Recent data from the Center for Health Development-CAR reveals that obesity remains a significant issue in the region. As of December 2024, 23.42% of adults (20-59 years old) and 19.26% of seniors (60 and above) in CAR are overweight or obese.
Among all provinces in CAR, Baguio City had the highest obesity prevalence, affecting 50.9% of adults and 41.36% of seniors. Benguet came in second at 27.99% and 25.53%, while Abra recorded the lowest numbers, with 10.72% of adults and 8.6% of seniors classified as obese or overweight.
To address the worsening health crisis, the public is urged to adopt healthier lifestyles, including maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, mitigating climate change effects, getting immunized, avoiding substance abuse, fostering safe communities, and promoting mental well-being.
Several factors contribute to obesity, including physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and poor breastfeeding practices. Modern work environments can also exacerbate the problem as stress, sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep increase the risk of obesity.
Contrary to popular belief, obesity is not solely determined by weight but by body fat percentage. One common tool to measure body fat based on height and weight is the Body Mass Index (BMI). However, it is not always a reliable indicator. Some individuals, such as muscular athletes, may have a high BMI despite having a healthy body composition, due to their muscle mass.
Taking a proactive approach through early detection and monitoring is crucial in managing obesity. “Everyone who has obesity deserves a thorough medical check-up at least yearly. Kung meron tayo sa ating mga company, mga offices, na meron tayong privilege na yearly check-up, i-avail po natin iyon,” Rillorta said. “Let’s stay healthy, para sa healthy na Pilipinas.”
World Obesity Day is observed on March 4 in an effort to raise awareness of the global obesity epidemic and promote long-term solutions to address it. DOH-CAR continues to show its commitment to promoting public health through continuous public awareness interventions. By Julianna Mallari
