By Tracy Cabrera
BATASAN, Quezon City — Once seen as a sign of health, excess weight in children and adults is now recognized by experts as a major health concern, signaling obesity rather than wellness. Despite this, awareness remains low in the Philippines, where recent studies show that 41 percent of adults are classified as overweight or obese.
House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin highlighted the economic impact of poor health, noting that healthcare services cost the government approximately ₱1.9 trillion, equivalent to 7.3 percent of the country’s gross national product (GNP). These figures do not yet account for obesity-related expenses, which could push the total cost to more than ₱2.7 trillion.
“These costs include direct medical expenses, such as hospital stays, based on standard estimates assuming patients are treated according to medical guidelines,” Garin explained. “Non-medical costs, such as transportation for medical care, add another ₱165.39 billion.”
Garin, a former secretary of the Department of Health, described the 41 percent obesity rate as “very alarming” and expressed surprise at the high number. The statistics were drawn from a study led by former health undersecretary Dr. Madeleine de Rosas-Valera for Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Philippines, supported by media reports indicating that over four in 10 Filipino adults are already at increased risk of obesity-related health problems.
“The findings are a red flag for our country,” Garin said, stressing that high out-of-pocket healthcare costs and a curative-focused public healthcare system leave little room for preventive measures.
Garin emphasized the importance of government-led initiatives to raise awareness at the school and community levels. She revealed that she is considering a legislative proposal that would introduce lessons on the misleading marketing of foods that contribute to obesity into the school curriculum.
“It is imperative for Congress to use its oversight powers to ensure that people understand what they are consuming. We need to educate parents and teachers—they are the first line of awareness,” Garin said.
The Epidemiological Burden and Cost of Obesity in the Philippines (EpiCob-PH) recently conducted a study aimed at addressing research gaps on obesity’s demographic distribution and economic impact. By analyzing data from the National Nutrition Survey and the Expanded National Nutrition Survey from 1993 to 2023, the study estimated current and future obesity trends as well as their health consequences.
Productivity losses, including workdays missed due to obesity-related conditions, were estimated at ₱1.17 trillion, underscoring the significant economic burden of the growing health crisis.
elamigo/xf
