21/03/2025
A Successful and Insightful Episode of Cuento y Salud!
Last March 15, 2025, P*P Western Mindanao Chapter, in collaboration with GBPV TV11, proudly aired another impactful episode of Cuento y Salud, focusing on the growing concern of Obesity.
With our esteemed guest, Dr. Karna Kamlon Igasan, a Nutrition Specialist and Internist, alongside our dynamic hosts, Mr. Albert Luna, Dr. Kathleen Marie Sta. Teresa, and Mr. Vilmar Marquez, we explored the alarming increase of obesity in the Philippines and its biological, behavioral, and environmental causes.
Dr. Igasan highlighted that over 30% of Filipinos are now classified as overweight or obese, with urban areas like Metro Manila showing the highest rates, as reported by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).
Understanding the Factors Behind Obesity
🔬 Biological Factors – Genetics, hormones (especially in pregnancy and menopause), and gut microbiota play a role in metabolism and fat storage. Some medications can also contribute to weight gain.
🧠 Behavioral Factors – Poor dietary habits, sugar addiction, lack of physical activity, and frequent consumption of processed foods significantly contribute to obesity.
🌍 Environmental Factors – The modern food industry, easy access to fast food, cultural norms around eating, and sedentary lifestyles in industrialized areas increase obesity rates.
🔎 Why is this important?
Understanding these factors helps us address obesity at its root cause rather than just treating its symptoms. A multifaceted approach including lifestyle changes, proper diet, and targeted interventions is needed to combat this growing health crisis.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
✅ Obesity is more than just weight gain, it affects internal organs and increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and stroke.
✅ BMI standards differ for Asians, with a BMI of 27.5 and above considered obese.
✅ Artificial sweeteners in "zero sugar" sodas, such as aspartame, may pose health risks, including a possible link to cancer, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
✅ Processed food removes essential nutrients like fiber, leading to poor nutrition and metabolic diseases.
✅ Solutions include a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and strategies like intermittent fasting to manage weight effectively.
The episode concluded with a powerful message: “Prevention is better than cure. Understanding the root causes of obesity is key to addressing it effectively.”
A big thank you to our guest experts, hosts, and all viewers who tuned in! Let’s continue promoting awareness and making healthier choices for a better future.
*PWesternMindanao
