In particular, given its close connection to the emergence of non-communicable illnesses, which are currently among the major causes of death, morbidity, and disability in the nation, overnutrition, such as overweight and obesity, is a severe health problem. Obesity can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle choices and a lack of health-supportive environments. One of these is the decrease in physical activity of Filipinos. According to the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults increased two-fold and reached a record high in 2018. The same upward trend among other age groups as well. Some of us tend to just be sitting all day watching television or playing computer games- for most school-aged children and adolescents. Adults also tend to be sitting all day long, especially those who are working in offices. All these can be a factor that attributes to the overweight or obesity of an individual. The risk associated with obesity includes the development of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, Hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases.
Physical activity refers to all movement of the body that requires energy spending. This includes dancing, walking, playing sports, and other physical activities. Keeping an active lifestyle can help you stay at a healthy weight or lose weight. Along with reducing stress and improving mood, it can also lessen the chance of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and several malignancies. Exercise can help promote weight loss and improve your way of life through healthy living. As part of the health promotion framework strategy 2030 of the Department of Health – Health Promotion Bureau, one of its priority areas to focus on is diet and physical activity on health promotion which aims to fight overnutrition and obesity. This was discussed last March 4, 2022, during the World Obesity Day webinar by DOH-HPB. Addressing overnutrition through healthy diets and physical activity. So far, it has been done some projects and activities like active transport, wherein in 2020-2021, the Philippine government rolled out 497 km of bicycle lanes on national roads. This was accompanied by an interagency campaign to promote safe cycling and road sharing. It has also introduced ‘Healthy Public open spaces’ – one way of promoting physical activity through health-supportive environments.
Physical activity prevents obesity in multiple ways:
- As long as they don't increase their caloric intake to make up for the additional calories they burn while exercising, physical exercise raises people's overall energy expenditure, which can help them maintain energy balance or even lose weight.
- Exercise decreases total body fat as well as waist fat, delaying the emergence of abdominal obesity.
- Physical activities such as weight lifting, push-ups, and other muscle-strengthening activities build muscle mass, increasing the energy that the body burns throughout the day even when it’s at rest and making it easier to control weight.
- Physical activity can boost mood - reduce depression and anxiety.
While the pandemic has undoubtedly adhered an impact on our physical activities, this could also be a great opportunity for health promotion as we need to stay healthy amidst the threat of pandemics. To prevent obesity, one of the best ways is to involve ourselves in physical activities. Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Keep in mind that it is best to choose an exercise or an activity that you enjoy doing. A proper diet with regular exercise or any physical activities can help prevent developing overweight or obese and to have healthy lifestyle habits.
PDO I Kimberly M. Tanador, RND
References:
Health Promotion Framework Strategy 2030 of DOH - HPB
https://dmas.doh.gov.ph:8083/Rest/GetFile?id=701365
https://dmas.doh.gov.ph:8083/Search
Physical Activity – can help control weight
The role of physical activity and exercise on obesity
https://www.worldobesity.org/news/world-obesity-federation-publishes-a-new-position-statement-on-the-role-of-physical-activity-and-exercise-on-obesity
