Obesity, or what is called the “silent epidemic”, has been found to have affected some 27 million Filipinos. As of November 2022, the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) has observed a spike in the prevalence of obesity in the Philippines, particularly in kids and adults.

The 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) revealed that 14% of kids aged 5 to 10; 13% of those aged 10 to 19; and 38.6% of adults between 20 to 59, were suffering from obesity. These figures were higher than in 2018, where obesity in the same age groups was 7.6%, 10.7%, and 37.2%, respectively.

Health authorities concluded that this increase occurred because of physical inactivity due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, as well as the increased online ordering of food.¹

Left unchecked, rates of overweight and obesity will breach 30% of adolescents by 2030.²

Treatments for obesity in the Philippines

Obesity in the Philippines can be treated through education, healthy eating, physical activity, weight loss medications or devices, and surgery.³

Education: food pyramid⁴

The Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO) recommends food and activity pyramid diagrams as an educational and treatment tool, as they raise awareness of the condition.

Arranged on an illustration of a pyramid, the food guide recommended from most to least are:

• Water, clear broth (“Drink a lot”)
• Rice, root crops, corn, noodles, breads, cereals (“Eat most”)
• Vegetables, green salads, fruits or juices (“Eat more”)
• Fish, poultry, dry beans, nuts, eggs, lean meats, low-fat dairy (“Eat some”)
• Fats, oils, sugar, salt (“Eat a little”)

The activity pyramid guide, meanwhile, recommends:

• Daily activities such as taking the stairs vs. elevators, walking longer routes, or household chores (“Habitually”)
• Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking or jogging, and recreational activities like dancing or basketball (“Regularly, 3-5 times a week”)
• Leisure activities, like malling, golfing, and strength and flexibility exercises (“Often, 2-3 times a week”)
• Sit or lie around, and other activities that can be done with minimal effort (“Minimally, a few times a month”)

Diet and exercise⁵ 

These methods of weight management emphasize expending more calories than you consume.

Reduce your calorie intake through a healthy diet, which generally includes:

• Various vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains (e.g., bread, oats, brown rice)
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy (e.g., milk, yogurt, cheese, and soy drinks)
• Proteins (e.g., seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, nuts and seeds)
• Healthy oils (e.g., olive and canola oil)

Meanwhile, try to:

• Eat less refined carbohydrates, sugars, and sodium
• Eat smaller portions
• Avoid desserts and fried foods

Eating less won’t work if you don’t couple it with exercise. Even just 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (e.g., brisk walking) helps. 

Weight management programs³

Obesity in the Philippines can be treated through weight control programs. Together with weight management specialists, your personalized plan would include a lower-calorie diet, more physical activity, and techniques to develop and stick to healthier habits.

Surgery³

Bariatric surgery includes procedures that make structural changes to your digestive system, resulting in weight loss.

This option is not suitable for everyone, though. Your doctor may suggest this method if you are struggling with extreme obesity and can’t lose enough weight to see any improvements in your health, or keep the pounds off.

Weight-loss medication³

As obesity is a complex chronic disease, lifestyle changes can sometimes not be enough when it comes to treating obesity. In these situations, you can talk to your doctor to see if weight-loss medication is right for you. 

One type of medication gaining popularity is tirzepatide. This is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, which may develop in people who have obesity or are overweight.

Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. This means that it can act similarly to GLP-1 and GIP, which are natural hormones found in the body. Tirzepatide works by suppressing a person’s appetite, increases fullness, and increases insulin release and sensitivity.⁶ These things in conjunction can help a person with obesity lose weight.

As with any medication, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations on dosage and frequency. Implementing lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and increased physical activity can also help improve the effects of weight-loss medication.

Finding out what works for you

While there are many ways to treat having obesity in the Philippines, keep in mind that not all methods will be effective for one particular individual. 

Consulting with your doctor and a dietitian can be instrumental in treating this condition. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to treating this condition.

Learn more about obesity complications here.

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