Obesity among Filipino adults, youth rises in 2025 --DOST-FNRI survey

Obesity among Filipino adults aged 20 to 59 years has increased from 39.8% in 2023 to 44.5% in 2025, according to a Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) survey.

Based on the 2025 Updating of the Nutritional Status of Filipino Children and Other Population Groups (2025 Updating Survey), obesity is significantly more prevalent among females (50.1%), urban residents (48.3%), and individuals from wealthy households (57.8%).

Compared with the national estimate, the National Capital Region has the highest obesity prevalence with 52.7%, followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region (50.6%) and Central Luzon (49.6%).

The survey uses the Asia-Pacific Body Mass Index as its measurement, which defines obesity as body fat percentages of ≥25% for men and ≥35% for women in Asian populations.

It further revealed that about one in every 10 Filipino adults has chronic energy deficiency, which is more prevalent among males.

A chronic energy deficiency is a nutritional condition where the body receives fewer calories or energy than it expends. It is primarily caused by prolonged undernourishment.

Meanwhile, about 2 of every 10 Filipino adults are overweight.

Both behavioral risk factors and metabolic indicators could contribute to obesity and overweight among Filipinos, the survey stated.

These behaviors are smoking, drinking alcohol, and being physically inactive.

Meanwhile, metabolic indicators include elevated blood pressure.

Obesity among Filipino adolescents aged 10 to 19 years has also jumped from 12.5% in 2023 to 15.6% in 2025.

This is equivalent to one in every six Filipino adolescents.

According to the survey, overnutrition among adolescents is significantly higher among males (16.7%), those living in urban areas (18.0%), and those belonging to rich households (28.3%).

Meanwhile, the highest prevalence rates were recorded in Central Luzon (23.4%), National Capital Region (21.3%), Cordillera Administrative Region (19.7%), and Ilocos Region (19.1%).

According to the survey, overnutrition among adolescents is higher in males (16.7%), urban residents (18.0%), and those from wealthy households (28.3%).

The highest rates were recorded in Central Luzon (23.4%), the National Capital Region (21.3%), the Cordillera Administrative Region (19.7%), and the Ilocos Region (19.1%).

The prevalence of wasting significantly decreased from 11.5% in 2023 to 9.6% in 2025, while the prevalence of stunting remained relatively unchanged at 21.4%.

Wasting in nutrition refers to a state where a person is disproportionat