Nearly one in ten Filipino children are now overweight or obese, according to recent national and international health surveys, highlighting the growing impact of unhealthy eating habits driven by increasingly fast-paced urban lifestyles.
The 2023 National Nutrition Survey found that 39.8 percent of Filipino adults are either overweight or obese, while the number of overweight children aged 5 to 10 increased from 10.4 percent in 2019 to 14 percent in 2022. A similar rise was recorded among adolescents.
Health experts link the trend to a shift in dietary patterns, with more families relying on processed and fast foods amid long work hours, urban congestion, and the growing affordability of ultra-processed products. These include sweetened cereals, packaged snacks, and sugar-laden drinks, which are widely marketed and easily accessible across the country.
A UNICEF report noted that Filipino children are consuming fewer fruits and vegetables and more food high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. The World Health Organization has also raised concerns about the increasing presence of ultra-processed food in developing countries, which it says is contributing to higher rates of non-communicable diseases.
Beyond weight gain, studies show that these foods may cause cellular damage linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and long-term health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Health organizations and some private groups are promoting dietary interventions, such as increasing antioxidant intake, as part of broader efforts to prevent chronic disease. Antioxidants—found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and some supplements—are compounds that help counteract oxidative stress and support immune function.
During Nutrition Month in July, LAC Philippines launched a campaign to promote antioxidant awareness, citing ongoing research into compounds such as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which are said to have potential benefits in reducing internal inflammation and preserving collagen.
The firm said its dietary supplement featuring French Pine Bark Extract is part of a wider push for preventive healthcare and everyday wellness, particularly among working adults and families.
The Department of Health earlier urged the public to adopt healthier diets and reduce consumption of processed food, especially among school-aged children, to address what it described as a worsening public health issue.
