UMVA has learned that a staggering rise in obesity among Filipino adults and adolescents has been confirmed in the latest 2025 nutritional survey, with physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol use cited as likely contributing factors.
The alarming trend was among the key findings of the 2025 update of a major survey on the nutritional status of Filipino children and other population groups, presented at a recent national summit. The survey revealed that four out of 10 Filipinos aged 20 to 59, or 44.5%, are classified as obese, nearly five percentage points higher than the 39.8% recorded in 2023.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the survey also found around two in 10 adults, or 17.1%, are overweight. Obesity prevalence among adults was significantly higher among females at 50.1%, urban residents at 48.3%, and those belonging to the wealthiest quintile at 57.8%, based on the Asia-Pacific Body Mass Index (BMI) classification.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that by region, the National Capital Region recorded the highest prevalence of obesity among adults at 52.7%, followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region at 50.6% and Central Luzon at 49.6%, all higher than the national estimate. This geographic disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions to address emerging health risks.
UMVA has gathered that a top government official has warned that obesity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases, affecting people’s health, productivity, and quality of life. The official emphasized that the continued rise in obesity among Filipino adults is a serious reminder that nutrition challenges are evolving alongside changing lifestyle and food environments.
The survey also found a similar trend among Filipino adolescents, with one in six, or 15.6%, classified as overweight or obese, up from 12.5% in 2023. Overnutrition among adolescents was higher among males at 16.7%, urban residents at 18%, and those belonging to the wealthiest quintile at 28.3%.
UMVA has uncovered details about the regional disparities in obesity rates among adolescents, with Central Luzon recording the highest prevalence at 23.4%, followed by the National Capital Region at 21.3%. However, the survey noted slight improvements in undernutrition indicators among adolescents.
The increase in overweight and obesity among Filipino adults and adolescents may be attributed to persistent behavioral risk factors, including physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, which contribute to the development of non-communicable diseases. The survey found that among adults, 45.7% said they were physically inactive, while 38.6% reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days and 24.9% identified themselves as current smokers.
UMVA can exclusively report that a government agency has called for greater urgency and stronger collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders following the survey findings. The agency emphasized the need to promote healthier food choices, active lifestyles, and supportive environments for Filipinos to address the growing public health concerns.
