MANILA, Philippines — Health experts are warning that diabetes and obesity are increasingly affecting younger Filipinos, prompting calls for more aggressive interventions from both the government and the public.
During a press conference on Tuesday, endocrinologist Elaine Cunanan, vice president of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, urged adults aged 35 and above to undergo a fasting blood sugar test at least once a year—even if they show no symptoms.
“Before, the ideal age was 40,” Cunanan said. “But we are seeing that diabetes cases are increasing and patients are getting younger.”
Data from the latest Food and Nutrition Research Institute National Nutrition Survey showed that 8.5 percent of Filipinos aged 20 and above had diabetes in 2023, slightly higher than the 8.1 percent recorded in 2018–2019.
Meanwhile, 23.6 percent were found to have prediabetes, placing them at risk of developing diabetes within two to three years if left unchecked.
Cunanan warned that diabetes can lead to serious complications, including blindness, amputations, kidney disease, heart disease and nerve damage.
“Diabetes is actually the No. 1 cause of non-traumatic blindness and also the leading cause of amputation not caused by accidents,” she said.
Experts also highlighted the rising prevalence of obesity in the country. Psychiatrist Luzviminda Katigbak, president of the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity, said 41 percent of the country’s 29.5 million adults are now classified as overweight or obese, citing a recent study by consulting firm MetaHealth.
Katigbak noted that obesity among adults has surged dramatically from about 2 percent in 1993 to 41 percent today. She added that obesity rates among children are also high, raising concerns about long-term health risks.
“The eating habits they form during childhood will carry into adulthood,” she said. “We need to address the youth who are already struggling with overweight and obesity.”
According to Katigbak, obesity also places a heavy economic burden on the country. The Philippines loses around P2.7 trillion annually due to obesity-related costs, including P790.44 billion in health-care expenses, P237.28 billion in non-medical costs, and P1.67 trillion in productivity losses.
She emphasized that obesity should not be dismissed as a personal failing.
“Others think it’s just laziness, but that is a stigma,” Katigbak said. “Obesity is a disease because it is chronic, progressive and relapsing—but the good thing is it is treatable.”
Both experts urged Filipinos to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, balanced diets and routine health screenings, while also calling on policymakers to promote better access to healthy food and more opportunities for physical activity in communities.
