The last and only nutrition-specific program of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 which focuses on overnutrition is the Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program. This program is designed to prevent the increase in overweight and obesity among children and decrease prevalence rates among adults.
Overnutrition affects around 27 million Filipinos among all age groups. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that children who are overweight and obese have higher risk of developing noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular ailments and diabetes. Child overnutrition entails massive costs in terms of potential health care spending and lost income.
The government and its partner implementors continue to pursue strategies to counter overnutrition. Such strategies include issuance of policies and guidelines on elimination of industry-produced trans-fatty acids, conduct of physical activities, creation of safe and open spaces, among others.
On the other hand, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Governing Board eyes the approval and adoption of the National Policy in Addressing Obesity and its operational plan to address the impending problem on child and adult obesity.
The NNC also calls the local government units (LGUs) to realize the following strategies consistent with the Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program:
- Promote local production of healthy food such as vegetables and fruits
- Ensure accessibility and affordability of healthy food to all families of the community
- Build community and home food gardens
- Provide walkable spaces for the community
- Enact local legislation to support the Department of Education’s Department Order No. 13, s2017 policy to restrict and regulate unhealthy food and beverage in schools and to also include establishments within at least 250-meter radius of schools
- Promote healthy eating using Pinggang Pinoy
- Organize regular physical activities for all age groups
The UNICEF emphasizes that “obesogenic environment” is thriving in the Philippines. This refers to the environment which encourages the intake of energy-dense yet nutrient-poor foods and beverages and promotes reduced physical activity or sedentary behavior.
The obesogenic environment and the glaring issue on overnutrition requires focused attention, multiple strategies and mechanisms to safeguard systems on food, health, education, environment, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and social protection. As we champion the Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program, we stay true to our commitment to the Filipino people that “Sa PPAN, panalo ang bayan!” (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)
References:
National Nutrition Council. (2022, March 22). Everybody Needs to Act to Curb Obesity. https://nnc.gov.ph/39-featured-articles/7347-everybody-needs-to-act-to-curb-obesity
UNICEF. (2021, June). Prevention of Overweight and Obesity in Children: Landscape Analysis and Priority Actions.
