NEWSFLASH

MEDICINE: BATTLING THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC

Manila, August 23, 2002 (STAR) By Ramon Abarquez Jr., MD - At a time when issues like poverty, unemployment and the real price of galunggong occupy the national consciousness, it will probably come as a surprise to many that obesity and overweight are becoming an epidemic in many parts of the Philippines.

In a nationwide survey conducted by the Philippine Association for the Study of Obesity and Overweight (PASOO), 21 percent of Filipinos on medical consultation were found to be excessively fat, and obesity rates in Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao were found to be 19 percent, 34 percent, 22 percent and eight percent, respectively.

Furthermore, data from the Department of Science and Technology indicate that 25 percent of children in private schools between the ages of eight and 10 were found to be overweight. These figures are actually expected to increase in the coming years.

These statistics clearly indicate the emergence of a growing health problem. Overweight and obesity are important not only because of aesthetic reasons, but also due to the resulting increase in deaths due to diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and even cancers of the colon, gall bladder, uterus and breast.

Latest findings also indicate that in over half of obese patients, fat globules are already deposited in the heart that can lead to heart failure. Even obstructive sleep apnea that can lead to bangungot or sudden death during sleep becomes more common.

What factors could possibly cause obesity in a Third World country like the Philippines? Rather than simply blaming heredity or fallacies like eating cold rice and drinking water during meals, the culprits include modern, sedentary lifestyles and the modern, refined, high-fat, low-fiber diet. Furthermore, these culprits strike at a very early age. It is a pediatrician’s nightmare to note the pre-schoolers and elementary school children who constantly crave for fast foods, guzzle soft drinks, and pass their leisure time playing video games and watching TV. Campaign vs obesity Mindful of this alarming trend, the PASOO, an association of physicians, scientists and health care professionals, was organized in 1994, under renowned endocrinologist Dr. Augusto Litonjua. Since then, the PASOO has been tirelessly crusading against obesity and overweight. Its many activities include research, medical and lay education, formulation of guidelines and strategies adapted to local conditions, as well as actual diagnosis and treatment of obesity and its associated medical conditions and complications.

One of the highlights of PASOO’s year-round activities is its annual convention. This year’s convention, with the theme "Controversies in Obesity Management," will be held on Sept. 13 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, and will feature both foreign and local experts discussing topics such as Obesity Assessment as well as Prevention and Treatment in various settings, such as the medical clinic, the school and the community.

An interesting sidelight is a Fitness Walk dubbed "Walk While You Can," on Sept. 8, 5:30 to 10 a.m., at the Fort Bonifacio grounds. Activities during the Fitness Walk include fat analysis, risk assessment screenings, BP determination, lipid profile and blood glucose determination.

Short of attending the convention, the average Filipino can do a lot in personally managing his or her own weight. The PASOO guidelines recommend a scientific, supervised diet and not the fad diets, quick-loss regiments, and slimming products that periodically sweep the country.

Other recommendations include 30 to 60 minutes of mild to moderate sustained exercise at least three times a week (for individuals over 40 years old, obtaining a medical clearance first), and in other cases, behavior modification and medically supervised drug therapy. Warning against weight-loss clinics The public is strongly warned against weight-loss clinics prescribing potent appetite suppressants at doses which are five to 15 times the recommended doses. This can potentially cause serious adverse effects on the heart, brain, liver and kidney, which may only be seen in the long term.

Unfortunately, these clinics are drawing a lot of patients because of their heavy advertisements and endorsements by celebrities and famous personalities. Those who have been victimized by these clinics should consult a legitimately trained specialist on weight loss for proper advice and to detect early any adverse effect of the drug overdose they were subjected to.

The PASOO does not encourage the following: surgical procedures (except for morbid obesity), ingestion of fiber and herbal supplements, spot reduction, acupuncture, vibrating belts, body wraps and creams, electric muscle stimulators, sweat suits, etc. And whatever the weight loss regimen chosen, PASOO reminds us that the control of overweight and obesity is a "family" affair. It is hard to ask somebody to stop smoking, to exercise and to eat a balanced, healthy diet if other members of the family will not do the same.

There is probably no subject so saturated with fallacies, distortions and outright lies like the subject of food intake, obesity and weight loss. Thus, PASOO encourages all overweight Filipinos to consult a health professional such as a physician or a nutritionist-dietitian, and to remember to "walk while you can."

Interested parties may call 531-1278 or 633-6420 for early registration to the convention and for other details.

* * * (The author is an emeritus fellow of the American College of Cardiology, an emeritus professor of the University of the Philippines’ College of Medicine, and a member of the board of trustees of PASOO and the advisory board of the CHARTER Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit research foundation which promotes healthy lifestyle changes in the prevention of many common medical problems.)