March 24, 2026 – Obesity is no longer just a personal issue but a widespread public health problem driven by modern lifestyles, unhealthy food choices, and low physical activity, according to Monica Dummao, a nutritionist from the City Health Services Office (CHSO).
At a City Hall media forum, March 18, she said obesity is a condition caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure or when a person consumes more calories than what his body burns.
This imbalance is increasingly influenced by what experts describe as an obesogenic environment, where surroundings and daily habits promote high-calorie food consumption and sedentary behavior.
Easy access to processed foods, food delivery services, and a more inactive lifestyle have made it more challenging for individuals to maintain a healthy weight, she disclosed.
Data from national surveys show a significant rise in obesity rates in the Philippines where from 36.6 percent in 2018-2019, the prevalence increased to 38.6 percent in 2021 and surged to 57.1 percent by 2023.
Dummao stressed that this rapid increase is alarming since obesity is a known risk factor for non-communicable diseases, which remain among the leading causes of death in the Cordillera Region.
The rise shows there’s a need for stronger public health efforts and better awareness about a healthy lifestyle and the chances of developing illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease continue to increase as more people rely on quick and convenient food choices, she said.
The issue also affects younger people since reports indicate that obesity is becoming more prevalent among children, with higher regional rates recorded in CAR compared to the national average, Dummao cautioned and added that childhood obesity often continues into adolescence and adulthood, increasing long-term health risks.
To address this, the CHSO under Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes continues to promote its “Kalusugan Guides” as part of its health literacy campaign aimed to educate the public on proper nutrition, informed food choices and the importance of physical activity.
Part of the campaign includes teaching residents how to read food labels and understand the nutritional content of the products they consume.
Health officials also encourage the use of the “Pinggang Pinoy” model, a simple visual guide that shows the ideal food portions for a balanced meal where the plate should consist of half fruits and vegetables, with the remaining portions divided between carbohydrates and protein to ensure that individuals get the right mix of nutrients while controlling portion sizes.
The guide can help people make smarter choices about what they eat without feeling restricted which helps prevent overeating and encourages a more balanced approach to meals that can lead to healthier habits, better energy throughout the day and a lower risk of developing diet-related health issues.
Dummao said that lifestyle plays a key role in preventing obesity as regular physical activity, balanced meals and mindful eating habits are essential in maintaining healthy weight while walking, limiting high-calorie processed foods intake and maintaining proper meal schedules can significantly reduce risks.
She said that preventing obesity starts with awareness, personal responsibility and by making better food choices, staying active and being informed, individuals can take control of their health and help address the growing obesity problem in the community. **Ace B. Martin and Khiel Lachica/PIO Baguio interns/gabykeith
