Philippines' Double Burden of Malnutrition: Obesity and Undernutrition Coexist

The Philippines is grappling with a "double burden of malnutrition," a complex crisis where undernutrition declines while obesity rates surge, particularly among the youth. This situation poses significant challenges to public health and the healthcare system. Josie Desnacido, a senior research specialist at the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), highlighted that while forms of undernutrition like stunting and wasting have been on a downward trend, overnutrition, specifically overweight and obesity, has steadily risen. Adolescent overweight and obesity rates have seen a remarkable increase of 218% between 2003 and 2025, the highest among all age groups. The 2025 update to the National Nutrition Survey recorded the highest obesity and overweight prevalence across all years in all age groups except very young children. For adults, obesity and overweight prevalence reached 43.1% in 2025. This translates to roughly two in five Filipino adults being obese, based on WHO Asia-Pacific cutoffs. Several factors contribute to this shift. Increasing urbanization, economic development influencing food prices, and the rise of hybrid and work-from-home employment setups have altered dietary patterns. Desnacido noted that many Filipinos opt for sweet, salty, or greasy ready-to-eat meals and fast food over healthier home-cooked options. Even when nutritious food is consumed, portion sizes are often excessive. Furthermore, social media plays a role, with food bloggers and celebrities promoting eating broadcasts and various dining establishments, potentially encouraging unhealthy consumption. Sedentary lifestyles, especially in urban areas offering greater convenience such as online food delivery, contribute to a lack of physical activity and increased calorie intake. Achilles Comboy, a 34-year-old former accountant, experienced the consequences of this crisis firsthand. Job-related stress led him to an unhealthy routine, culminating in a diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure in 2019. Now a health advocate who has lost over 20 kg, Comboy emphasizes the critical need for early intervention, especially in childhood, to prevent lifelong obesity. This "double burden" presents a critical public health challenge for the Philippines, necessitating interventions focused on improving dietary choices, enhancing access to healthy foods, and fostering an environment that encourages physical activity.