Obesity affects nearly 40% of Filipino adults—study

NEARLY four in 10 Filipino adults are now overweight or obese, a growing public health crisis that is costing the Philippine economy nearly P1.9 trillion each year, according to a new study.

- By ANNE RUTH DELA CRUZ

Researchers warn that if current trends continue, the number of affected adults could rise from about 29 million today to nearly 44 million by 2040.

Beyond its health impact, obesity is also placing a heavy economic burden on the country. The direct medical cost of obesity in the Philippines is estimated at P551 billion annually, while productivity losses linked to the condition reach P1.17 trillion. Together with other non-medical expenses such as transportationand caregiving, the total costis estimated at around P1.9trilliona year, equivalent to about 7.3 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Multi-sectoral forum

THESE findings were presented during a multi-sectoral forum at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel on March 9, 2026, where researchers unveiled the study “Epidemiological Burden and Cost of Obesity in the Philippines” (EpiCOb-PH). The event was organized by metaHealth Insights and Innovations Inc. in partnership with Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals (Philippines) Inc. and the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines.