The recent survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST- FNRI) in 2015 showed that 57.9 percent or about 3 in every 5 Filipino adult women in the Philippines have high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is an indicator that measures android or central obesity or apple-shaped body type. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a WHR cut-off point of 0.85 for women and 1.0 for men. Android or central obesity may indicate visceral fat or the accumulation of fats in the internal organs. It has been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular diseases mainly heart attack and stroke, sleep apnea, and some cancers.
Among the regions, the highest prevalences of high WHR among adult females were noted in Northern Mindanao (62.5 percent), CALABARZON (62.5 percent), CARAGA (62.0 percent), Davao (61.5 percent), Central Luzon (61.3 percent) and NCR (61.1 percent).
In contrast, the prevalence of high WHR among Filipino adult males was seven in every 100 (7.1 percent). Among the regions, the highest prevalences of high WHR among adult males were noted in NCR (10.2 percent), CALABARZON (9.4 percent), Central Luzon (8.7 percent) and Davao (7.3 percent).
The same survey also revealed that about one in every five (23.9 percent) Filipino adults have elevated blood pressure and about two in every five (42.5 percent) were insufficiently physically active.
Messages from the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a Technical Working Group led by the DOST- FNRI give simple reminders on attaining and maintaining normal body weight. Message No. 9 recommends achieving normal weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity. Likewise, Message No. 10 encourages us to be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (Charina A. Javier, DOST-FNRI S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)