Obesity

Philippine National Nutrition Survey

In the Philippines, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been rising. The 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey by the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) reported that 14% of children aged 5 to 10 years, 13% of individuals aged 10 to 19 years, and 40.2% of adults are living with overweight and obesity. 

 This increasing trend suggests a growing burden of obesity-related health issues, which may contribute to premature mortality.

World Health Organization

1. Global Perspective on Obesity-Related Mortality

• - The World Health Organization (WHO) states that at least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese.

• - Context: Obesity is the fifth leading risk factor for global deaths.

2. Obesity's Impact on Life Expectancy

• - Studies have shown that obesity can reduce life expectancy by up to 8 years.

• - Context: This reduction is comparable to the effects of smoking.

3. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases

• - Type 2 Diabetes: Approximately 80-90% of individuals with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

• - Cardiovascular Diseases: Obesity significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death globally.

• - Certain Cancers: There's a higher risk of developing cancers such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer in individuals who are obese.

4. Economic Burden

• - The escalating rates of obesity lead to increased healthcare costs due to the treatment of obesity-related conditions.

• - Context: This not only affects individuals but also places a strain on the country's healthcare system and economy.

Conclusion

• Obesity-related conditions are among the leading causes of preventable death.

• Obesity can lead to complications such as joint problems, sleep apnea, and psychological issues like depression and low self-esteem.

• Children of obese parents are more likely to become obese themselves due to genetic and environmental factors.

I just want to highlight the seriousness of it, of the Top Global Risk Factors for Death, 6 of the top 10 have something to do with obesity - This is the real silent killer, more than any car crash or drowning, the statistics show that Obesity is the Primary killer of human beings worldwide. I cannot stress how truly bad it is in comparison to what we think kills us.

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):

   • Impact: Leads to heart disease and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide.

2. Smoking (Tobacco Use):

   • Impact: Causes various cancers, lung diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

3. High Blood Glucose (Including Diabetes):

   • Impact: Increases the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

4. High Body Mass Index (Overweight and Obesity):

   • Impact: Raises the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain cancers.

5. High Cholesterol:

   • Impact: Contributes to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

6. Dietary Risks:

   • Impact: Diets high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.

7. Alcohol Use:

   • Impact: Excessive consumption can result in liver diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular problems.

8. Air Pollution (Ambient Particulate Matter Pollution):

   • Impact: Causes respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer.

9. Physical Inactivity:

   • Impact: Increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some cancers.

10. Unsafe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene:

    • Impact: Leads to infectious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever.

7/10* - I'm including Alcohol, it's a consumption thing that is related to unhealthy lifestyles which result in early death