Obesity and Non-communicable Diseases

Summary

In this discussion, Dr. Dave Pagsy Cian from the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism addresses the rising concern of obesity among Filipinos. He explains that a BMI over 23 is considered overweight and over 25 is obese for Filipinos. Despite misconceptions, BMI calculation is the practical method to assess obesity. Dr. Cian highlights the correlation between obesity and non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. He also touches on the role of community, government, and social media in promoting healthy living and the potential legislative actions to curb the obesity epidemic.

Takeaways

• 📊 In the Philippines, a BMI over 23 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 25 is considered obese.
• 🌐 BMI calculators online can easily determine if one is overweight or obese by inputting weight in kilograms and height in centimeters.
• 🚫 Despite visual assessments, body mass index (BMI) computation is the most accurate method to measure obesity.
• 💪 More complex tests like body densitometry can accurately diagnose obesity but are expensive and impractical for regular use.
• 🏋️‍♂️ High muscle mass can lead to a high BMI without indicating obesity, as muscle weighs more than fat.
• 📈 Obesity is linked to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
• 📉 An increase in abdominal girth and easy fatigability are signs that one may be bordering on obesity.
• 🏥 Medically, a rise in blood pressure to prehypertensive levels can indicate the onset of obesity.
• 📊 Recent data suggests around 40.2% of adult Filipinos are overweight or obese, with diabetes affecting approximately 8.2% of the population.
• 🥗 A shift towards a healthier diet and lifestyle is crucial, considering the prevalence of carbohydrate and sugar-heavy diets in the Philippines.
• 🌱 Legislative actions such as taxing sugary beverages and promoting healthier food options in schools and restaurants are discussed as potential solutions.

Q & A

What is the primary method used to diagnose obesity?

Obesity is primarily diagnosed by computing the body mass index (BMI), which is the relationship of a person's weight to their height.

What are the BMI thresholds for being considered overweight and obese among Filipinos?

For Filipinos, a BMI of more than 23 is considered overweight, and a BMI of more than 25 is considered obese.

How can one calculate their BMI without sophisticated instruments?

One can calculate their BMI using online calculators by inputting their weight in kilograms and height in centimeters.

What are the limitations of using BMI as a measure for obesity?

BMI has limitations because it does not differentiate between muscle and fat mass, so a muscular person might have a high BMI without being obese.

What are the signs that indicate one is bordering on obesity?

Signs of bordering on obesity include easy fatigability, deposition of fats in the forehead and shoulders, increased abdominal girth, and increased blood pressure to prehypertensive levels.

How is obesity related to non-communicable diseases like diabetes?

Obesity is related to the rise in non-communicable diseases as it can lead to conditions like diabetes, heart problems, and hypertension.

What recent statistics were mentioned regarding obesity and non-communicable diseases in the Philippines?

Recent statistics indicate that around 40.2% of adult Filipinos are overweight or obese, with about 8.2% having diabetes and an additional 14.2% having pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes.

What role does diet play in the increase of non-communicable diseases among Filipinos?

The typical Filipino diet, which is high in carbohydrates and sugar, and the use of seasonings like MSG, contribute to the increase in non-communicable diseases.

What measures can the government and lawmakers take to address obesity and related health issues?

Government and lawmakers can regulate the use of sugar in food products, increase taxes on sugary beverages, provide healthier food options in schools, and mandate the display of calorie counts in restaurants and fast food chains.

What is the importance of community and cultural change in combating obesity and non-communicable diseases?

Community and cultural change are important in combating obesity and non-communicable diseases as they involve concerted efforts from various sectors, including schools, workplaces, and the government, to promote a healthy environment and lifestyle.

What are the potential consequences if Filipinos do not change their dietary habits and lifestyle?

If dietary habits and lifestyle do not change, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases will increase, leading to higher healthcare costs for individuals and the government, and an increased risk of complications like strokes and heart attacks.