(UPDATE) A HEALTH expert said that nearly 40 percent of Filipino adults are now classified as obese, a complex mix of genetics, environment, culture and socioeconomic factors.

​”Obesity places an enormous strain on individuals, families and the entire health care system,” said Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr., incoming president of the Philippine College of Physicians, during the first Obesity Collaborative Summit on Saturday. The event was hosted by the Makati Life Medical Center in partnership with the Philippine Association of Metabolic and Obesity Surgery.

‘40% of Filipinos obese’​

​Nicodemus noted that the 40 percent is a dramatic jump from previous estimates that only used global standards, which put obesity rates at just 10 percent among Filipinos. The change, he said, reflects new, lower BMI cutoffs for Asian populations, who are at higher risk of complications at lower weights.

​Nicodemus said genetics plays a major role in a person becoming obese. “Up to 70 percent of obesity can be inherited, meaning many Filipinos are genetically predisposed to gain weight.”

​Besides genetics, the Filipino culture of food-centric gatherings, eating habits and traditions play a significant role in shaping dietary practices. Nicodemus noted that access to nutritious food remains limited, especially in urban areas. “How can people eat healthy if all that’s available in the market is unhealthy food, and there’s no public health infrastructure?”

​He said lack of parks and walkable spaces, and the threat of road accidents discourage Filipinos from pursuing outdoor physical activity. Legislation is needed to ensure there are safe outdoor spaces in the country for people to exercise, he added.

​A call for a national shift in how obesity is understood and treated has emerged during the summit.

“Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease — not a moral failing,” said Nicodemus.

​During the event, Makati Life Medical Center announced the launch of a comprehensive obesity care program in partnership with the Makati city government.

​”The purpose of the city allowing us to do those kinds of surgeries is actually to prevent early death for those that are really obese,” Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana, president and CEO of Makati Life Medical Center, told The Manila Times.

‘40% of Filipinos obese’​, This news data comes from:http://www.redcanaco.com

​”Addressing obesity cannot rest on just one group’s shoulders. We need the government, insurers, the private sector and the community working together,” he added.