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Be healthy, beat obesity!

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Category: Region NCR

Obesity prevention42 59.4 cm 1Overweight and obesity are both health risks associated with non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and cancer, among others. Overweight means weighing more than the required weight for one’s length or height, while obesity is the condition of being severely overweight.

According to the 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey conducted by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, overweight and obesity prevalence rates among school-age children, adults, and the elderly have increased since 2015. Among adolescents, 1 out 10 was overweight/obese and 8 out of 10 were insufficiently physically active.

Overweight and obesity can be prevented through healthy eating behaviors, regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle.

The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) is a set of dietary guidelines based on the eating pattern, lifestyle, and health status of Filipinos. The NGF contains ten (10) nutrition messages that can be used as guide to healthy living for all age groups. Follow these five (5) NGF messages to prevent overweight and obesity:

  • Message 1: Eat a variety of foods every day to get the nutrients needed by the body.
  • Message 3: Eat more vegetables and fruits every day to get the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for the regulation of body processes.
  • Message 8: Limit intake of salty, fried, fatty, and sugar-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
  • Message 9: Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity.
  • Message 10: Be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages, and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases.

Obesity Prevention Awareness Week is observed every first week of September in accordance with the Proclamation No. 162 signed on August 21, 1999. The declaration aims to intensify people’s knowledge and increase their awareness on the risks and consequences of obesity.

Overweight and obesity prevention is not as simple as it looks. Proper nutrition and physical activity must be considered along with other factors that may affect one’s nutritional status. Seek medical help when necessary and consult with registered nutritionist-dietitians for weight management.

Be healthy, beat obesity!    

Written by: DMO II Mary Anne P. Padilla and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo

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