News Feature: Overweight and obese children on the rise

By Imelda A. Agdeppa

MANILA, Aug. 7 -- The updating survey on the nutritional status of Filipino children in 2011 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) revealed that 4 in 100 (or 4.3 percent) of preschoolers 0-5 years old are overweight.

Regions with the highest prevalence of overweight preschoolers are Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (CALABARZON), National Capital Region (NCR) and Ilocos regions, ranging from 5.9 percent to 6.3 percent, which is higher than the national prevalence of 4.3 percent.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the preschoolers increased by 1 percentage point from 3.3 percent to 4.3 percent in 2011.

The survey results further revealed that 8 in 100 (or 7.5%) of school children 6-10 years old are overweight.

Overweight prevalence is highest in Central Luzon, CALABARZON and NCR regions, ranging from 11.1 percent to 12.6 percent, which is higher than the national prevalence of 7.5 percent. Further, prevalence increased by 0.9 percentage points, from 6.6 percent in 2008 to 7.5 percent in 2011.

Overweight and obesity are basically due to an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.

Nowadays, there has been an increase in intake of high-energy foods that are high in fat, salt and sugars but low in vitamins and minerals.

In contrast, there was a decrease in physical activity due to increasing sedentary lifestyle, such as watching television and playing computer games among children.

Changes in dietary and physical patterns are often the result of environmental and societal changes associated with development and very lax enforcement of supportive policies in the health and education sectors.

The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a team of experts led by the FNRI-DOST recommends eating a variety of foods every day, since no single food can provide all the nutrients the body needs.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables should be increased, while limiting intake of sugary and fatty foods is also recommended.

Overweight and obesity among children are preventable.

A supportive environment at home and in school is necessary in shaping children’s food choices, adapting a healthier lifestyle like engaging in regular physical activity to help prevent obesity.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. E-mail: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph, Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)