A new study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) reveals a concerning trend: four out of every ten Filipino adults are now living with obesity, underscoring a shift in the nation’s health landscape. The study also highlights rising obesity rates among Filipino children and adolescents, fueled by increasingly sedentary lifestyles, greater consumption of processed foods, and decreased physical activity.
Despite its growing prevalence, obesity often remains overlooked amid other health priorities. Experts warn this is dangerous, as obesity is a major contributor to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and certain cancers.
To address this pressing issue, Novo Nordisk has launched its “Truth About Weight” campaign in the Philippines, part of a global initiative focused on raising awareness, educating the public, and promoting advocacy. The campaign reframes obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic, hormonal, psychological, and environmental factors, rather than simply poor personal choices.
“Obesity is one of the most misunderstood and undertreated health challenges we face today,” said Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “Through this campaign, we aim to empower Filipinos with accurate information and tools to seek proper care.”
The campaign also addresses weight stigma, which can discourage individuals from seeking help. According to Dr. Ma. Corazon del Mundo, a psychiatrist and member of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, “Stigma and misinformation surrounding obesity are deeply rooted in society and even within healthcare settings.”
At the core of the initiative is the Truth About Weight website, which offers a free weight health risk assessment, educational tools, and science-based resources to help Filipinos understand and manage obesity.
Dr. Cyrus Pasamba, senior medical manager at Novo Nordisk Philippines, emphasized: “Obesity deserves the same urgency, compassion, and attention as any other chronic disease.”
Filipinos are encouraged to visit the campaign’s website, take the health risk assessment, and talk to healthcare professionals. “This is not just an awareness drive,” Wei Sun concluded. “It’s a movement to improve lives and foster a more supportive and informed approach to obesity in the Philippines.”
