41% of Fiipinos are classified as obese—health experts
A new study titled “Epidemiology of Economic Burden of Obesity in the Philippines” reveals a looming public health crisis, projecting that 29.5 million Filipino adults—or 41% of the adult population—will be classified as overweight or obese by 2025.
Released by MetaHealth and highlighted by the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity, the data indicates that 4 out of 10 Filipinos are at an increased risk of severe complications, including heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
PASOO President Dr. Luzviminda Katigbak characterized this rise as "exponential," stressing the importance of early and sustained intervention.
She said, “Healthy habits, regular health screenings, access to better healthcare services, and strong support systems are vital, not just for prevention, but also to help those already affected.”
Dr. Madeleine de Rosas-Valera, project (study) leader and health economist, said that obesity is no longer a lifestyle issue but an economic burden totalling P1.9 trillion annually.
"Our analysis shows that the health consequences and economic costs associated with obesity are substantial and will continue to grow if comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies are not implemented,” she said.
This figure includes P551 billion in direct healthcare costs, P165.39 billion in non-medical expenses, and P1.17 trillion in lost productivity due to illness and premature death.
With the average individual cost estimated at P66,696 per person, experts are calling for urgent, multi-sectoral collaboration across agriculture, urban planning, and education to implement structured care pathways and prevention policies before the economic and physical toll becomes unsustainable.
“The findings show that obesity affects millions of Filipinos and contributes to significant losses in health, productivity, and national economic output. Without coordinated action, this burden is expected to grow substantially in the coming decades,” the report noted. (with reports from Rhodina J. Villanueva)
