Delayed obesity treatment fuels heart, kidney diseases – experts

Lifestyle | Health & Family Posted on 2026-03-12 00:54:54

MANILA – Several medical groups warned Tuesday that delayed treatment of obesity is contributing to the growing number of Filipinos developing heart, kidney, and metabolic diseases.

During a press briefing, the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), together with the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), and the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO), signed a memorandum of agreement to strengthen their collaboration in addressing obesity and its link to cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic (CKM) diseases.

The partnership highlights the rising health burden of obesity in the Philippines. Data show that 39.8 percent of Filipino adults are obese, while 17.3 percent are overweight—conditions that significantly increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.

PCEDM vice president Dr. Elaine Cunanan said the alliance emphasizes the need for earlier and more aggressive interventions to prevent obesity from leading to serious health complications.

“Obesity is more than just a lifestyle issue. It is a chronic disease that is often overlooked and influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, and environment,” Cunanan said, adding that the group aims to encourage Filipinos to take proactive steps toward better health.

For cardiologists, the effects are already becoming more noticeable among younger patients, according to Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos of the PHA.

“We are seeing more young Filipino adults suffering from conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, with obesity as a major contributing factor,” Santos said.

She explained that excess body weight increases the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmia, and stroke.

Meanwhile, PSN president Dr. Ricardo Francisco said obesity is also a major cause of chronic kidney disease, which often develops without early warning signs.

“Kidney damage develops silently. Many people only discover the problem when it is already in an advanced stage and they may need dialysis or a kidney transplant,” he said, stressing the importance of awareness and regular screening.

PASOO president Dr. Luzvimunda Katigbak said research data show that about 41 percent, or around 29.5 million Filipinos, are either overweight or obese—placing more than four in 10 adults at risk of serious health problems.

Obesity rates in the country have increased significantly over the past decades, rising from about 2 percent in 1993 to around 41 percent today.

Without stronger interventions, projections indicate that the number of affected adults could reach 44.8 million by 2040.

Katigbak also noted that obesity-related illnesses could cost the country about PHP2.70 trillion each year, including PHP237.28 billion in non-medical expenses and PHP1.67 trillion in productivity losses.

On average, individuals with obesity-related conditions may spend around PHP66,696 annually on health-related costs.

“Obesity should be recognized as a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease influenced by biological, behavioral, and environmental factors,” Katigbak said.

She added that effective management requires lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and multidisciplinary care.

In relation to obesity, Philippine College of Physicians president Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus stressed the importance of monitoring visceral fat, which builds up around internal organs and is considered more harmful than fat stored under the skin.

He explained that high visceral fat levels are linked to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer.

Nicodemus said losing at least 5 percent of body weight can help reduce conditions such as knee pain, acid reflux, fatty liver, and sleep apnea, while a 10 percent weight loss can significantly lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

To guide treatment, health professionals promote the “5 A’s” approach to obesity management: ask permission, assess the patient’s condition, advise treatment options, agree on realistic goals, and assist patients in overcoming barriers.

Katigbak said recommended strategies include following a reduced-calorie diet, increasing physical activity, addressing psychological factors such as stress or depression, improving sleep habits, and seeking professional medical support when needed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nepomuceno noted that in certain cases, patients may benefit from anti-obesity medications or bariatric surgery, depending on their condition.

Overall, the medical groups emphasized that addressing obesity will require coordinated efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to promote healthier lifestyles and improve access to treatment.

NPO News Team | PNA Philippine News Agency - PR

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