Medical societies on Tuesday warned that delayed treatment of obesity is contributing to the increasing number of Filipinos developing heart, kidney and metabolic diseases.
At a press briefing, the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), together with the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), and the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO), formalized their collaboration through a memorandum of agreement aimed at addressing obesity and its link to cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic (CKM) diseases.
The initiative highlights the growing health burden of obesity in the country, with data showing that 39.8 percent of Filipino adults are obese and 17.3 percent are overweight, conditions that significantly increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
PCEDM vice president Dr. Elaine Cunanan said the alliance underscores the need for earlier and more aggressive intervention to prevent obesity from progressing into serious complications.
“Obesity is more than just a lifestyle problem; it is a chronic disease that is often overlooked and influenced by factors such as genetics, eating habits and environment,” Cunanan said, noting that the group aims to encourage Filipinos to take proactive steps toward better health.
For cardiologists, the effects are becoming more evident among younger patients, according to Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos of PHA.
“We’re seeing more Filipino young adults suffering from conditions like diabetes and hypertension, with obesity as a key driver,” Santos said.
She added that excess weight increases the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, arrythmia and strokes.
Meanwhile, PSN President Dr. Ricardo Francisco, said obesity is also a major contributor to chronic kidney disease, which often develops without early symptoms.
“Kidney damage develops silently, so most people discover that they have problems only at an advanced stage, when dialysis or a transplant may be needed,” he said, stressing the importance of awareness and regular screening.
PASOO president Dr. Luzvimunda Katigbak said data presented by researchers showed that about 41 percent or roughly 29.5 million Filipinos are overweight or obese, placing more than four in 10 adults at increased risk of serious health complications.
Obesity rates have risen sharply over the past decades, with adult prevalence increasing from about 2 percent in 1993 to around 41 percent today.
Without stronger intervention, projections indicate that the number of affected adults could reach 44.8 million by 2040.
Katigbak added that researchers estimated that obesity-related illnesses could cost the country about PHP2.70 trillion annually, including around PHP237.28 billion in non-medical expenses and PHP1.67 trillion in productivity losses.
On average, individuals with obesity-related conditions may incur about PHP66,696 in health-related costs each year.
“Obesity should be treated as a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease influenced by biological, behavioral and environmental factors,” she said.
Effective management requires a combination of lifestyle modification, medical treatment and multidisciplinary care, she added.
In connection to obesity, Philippine College of Physicians president Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus emphasized the importance of monitoring visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs and is considered more harmful than subcutaneous fat.
He explained that high levels of visceral adiposity are linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer.
Losing at least 5 percent of body weight can help reduce knee pain, reflux, fatty liver and sleep apnea, while 10 percent weight loss can significantly lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, he said.
To guide treatment, clinicians promote the “5 A’s” approach to obesity management: ask permission, assess the patient’s condition, advise on treatment options, agree on achievable goals and assist patients in overcoming barriers.
Katigbak said recommended strategies include adopting a reduced-calorie diet, increasing physical activity, addressing psychological factors such as stress or depression, improving sleep habits and seeking professional support when needed.
Citing certain conditions, Nepomuceno said some patients may also benefit from anti-obesity medications or bariatric surgery depending on their condition.
Overall, the medical societies underscored that sustained progress will require coordinated action across healthcare systems, policymakers, and communities to create environments that support healthier lifestyles and improve access to treatment. (PNA)