Being overweight is associated with a higher risk of disease, particularly if body fat is concentrated around the abdomen. The estimates of attributable mortality and burden due to being overweight and obese have been made using a measure of high body mass index (BMI) calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²).
BMI was chosen as a simple measurement of body weight in relation to height because it is in principle easier to measure at the population level than body fat. Analysis of the relationship between BMI and mortality and morbidity suggests that the theoretical optimum mean population BMI is around 21 kg/m².
|
In 1994, the Philippine Association for the study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO) was organized to address the growing global problem of this condition which has been noted to affect the Filipino people.
Using the IOTF-WHO classification of obesity, the study showed that the prevalence of obesity in medical practice in the Philippines is 21%, while 25% of consulting patients are overweight.
Source: Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight & Obesity, Inc.
The incidence of clinically severe obesity --- or simply the state of exceeding the Ideal Body Weight (IBW) by 100 lbs. for males, or 80 lbs. for females, is rising among Filipinos. Severe obesity refers to a Body Mass Index (BMI) of >40 kg/m^2, the normal BMI being 19-25. Commonly called morbid obesity, it gives rise to a host of diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, joint disease, high cholesterol, heart disease, pulmonary problems, and reduced life expectancy.
Morbid obesity could develop to be one of the major health problems in the Philippines unless serious steps are taken to arrest the rise of its incidence or, better, prevent it altogether.
Source: Asian Bariatrics, Online Obesity Advocacy Group
