Not Just About Weight: A Doctor Explains the Real Health Risks of Obesity
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Obesity has long been a global health concern, but in the Philippines, it’s an issue that is quietly but steadily on the rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity rates have nearly tripled worldwide since 1975, with more than 1 billion people affected as of 2022.
We spoke with Dr. Willard Madrazo, a General Practitioner at Doctor Anywhere, to better understand what obesity really means, the health problems it can cause, and how Filipinos can take realistic, everyday steps toward prevention.
Obesity: More Than Just a Number on the Scale
When many people think of obesity, they immediately picture excess weight. But Dr. Willard stresses that it’s far more complex.
“Obesity from a medical perspective is not just an increase in weight,” he explains. “It’s a complex, chronic disease. While BMI (Body Mass Index) is the most common way to determine if someone is overweight or obese, it doesn’t account for muscle and fat distribution.”
That’s why other measurements, such as waist circumference, are important.
“For men, a waist circumference above 100 cm (40 inches) and for women, above 88 cm (35 inches) increases the risk for other health concerns,” he says. “More accurate methods like DEXA scans or skinfold tests can measure body fat percentage, but these are more expensive and sometimes prone to error.”
The Heath Complications Filipinos Face
In his consultations, Dr. Willard sees first-hand the serious medical conditions linked to obesity.
“The most common are type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disorders, and more recently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,” he shares.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), lifestyle-related conditions like these are becoming more prevalent among Filipinos, partly due to sedentary lifestyles and changes in diet.
Small, Realistic Changes Make a Big Difference
For many people, the idea of losing weight feels overwhelming. But Dr. Willard emphasizes starting small.
“One of the best ways is to make lifestyle changes,” he advises. “Reduce sugary drinks, junk food, and overly fatty or fried food. Portion control is better than extreme diet restrictions, which are often unrealistic and unsustainable.”
He also encourages cooking at home whenever possible: “Home-cooked meals allow you to control calorie intake. And even simple, sustainable exercise, like walking 10 to 15 minutes a day, can have a great impact on your health.”
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you’re unsure about your weight or overall health, Dr. Willard says it’s better to act sooner rather than later.
“Earlier detection is always better than managing symptoms. Being overweight or obese is already a risk factor. If you have a family history of chronic diseases, or increased abdominal fat, you’re at even higher risk.”
To support you in taking that first step, your HealthFlex or Medical Secure plan includes free video consultations with Doctor Anywhere.
Go to the My Rewards section in your ManulifeMOVE dashboard to redeem your free teleconsults and start making empowered choices today.
This article was first published on Doctor Anywhere Philippines and is republished on Manulife Philippines website with permission.
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