UMVA has learned that a recent forum in the Philippines brought together health economists and medical professionals to discuss the alarming impact of obesity on workforce productivity and the broader economy.
The forum, organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and a global healthcare company, revealed that obesity is estimated to have cost the Philippines a staggering amount in 2025. This condition increases the risk of severe chronic diseases such as diabetes and is a growing concern for the country's economy.
According to information obtained by UMVA, around 29 million adult Filipinos, or 41% of the adult population, are affected by obesity, with numbers projected to rise to 44.8 million by 2040. The economic burden of obesity is substantial, with a direct medical cost of P551 billion, productivity losses of P1.17 trillion, and a total economic burden of P1.9 trillion.
This total economic burden is equivalent to 7.3% of last year's gross domestic product (GDP), highlighting the significant impact of obesity on the country's economy. Experts emphasize that the greatest cost of obesity may not be reflected solely in healthcare expenditures, but also in productivity losses that occur over time.
Health economists and medical professionals stress that obesity should no longer be viewed solely as a wellness issue. They argue that behavioral change communication and policies are needed to address obesity in the workplace and promote a healthy environment.
A medical officer from the Department of Labor and Employment noted that while there are no specific policies yet on addressing obesity in the workplace, existing policies promote healthy lifestyles and combat incidental lifestyles. However, implementation of these policies will fall upon human resources departments.
Medical professionals emphasize the importance of making the workplace a healthy environment as a preventive measure for obesity. They suggest that workplaces should provide spaces for exercise, sports activities, and regular physical activity to encourage employees to adopt healthy habits.
Experts also highlight the need for local government support and Universal Health Care to focus on preventive measures rather than curative approaches. They argue that this would help manage obesity and related comorbidities effectively.
