Medical experts warned that obesity and Type 2 diabetes continue to be under-treated in the Philippines, calling for earlier intervention and urgent, coordinated care as the number of affected Filipinos rises.
At a media forum organized by Zuellig Pharma and held at Conrad Hotel on Tuesday, January 27, local and international specialists said obesity should be recognized as a chronic disease rather than a lifestyle issue, noting that delayed treatment often leads to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and diabetes.
Latest available figures cited during the discussion show that diabetes affects about 7.5% of Filipino adults, or an estimated 4.7 million people. At the same time, nearly 60% of adults are either overweight or obese, conditions that significantly increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
“Obesity is the common thread in a ripple effect that complicates every major health indicator in the Philippines, from heart disease to renal failure,” Dr. Dante Morales of the Philippine Heart Association, said.
“This is why weight control is the cornerstone of preventing metabolic collapse in our patient population,” he added.
The forum gathered international experts Professor Luc Van Gaal of the University of Antwerp, Professor David Cummings of the University of Washington and Professor Roger Chen of the University of Sydney, alongside leaders from Philippine medical organizations focused on cardiology, endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity. The groups have recently strengthened collaboration to address the growing health burden posed by these conditions.
Speakers pointed out that many patients continue to struggle with older diabetes treatments due to issues with adherence, side effects, and affordability. They also noted that a significant number of patients do not achieve adequate weight loss despite treatment, underscoring the need for more effective and patient-friendly options.
Cummings explained how newer therapies aim to address both metabolic and neurological pathways involved in obesity and diabetes.
“By activating the dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, we are essentially communicating with the brain and the metabolic system simultaneously,” he said.
“This doesn’t just lower blood sugar; it resets the body’s weight set-point, offering clinical results that were previously difficult to achieve through traditional means,” Cummings added.
The experts added that these approaches are consistent with updated global standards of care, which prioritize treatments that address blood sugar control, weight management and cardiovascular risk together.
Beyond health outcomes, the discussion also highlighted the economic impact of obesity and diabetes. Recent estimates referenced during the forum suggest that obesity-related costs may be placing a significant strain on the Philippine economy, while patients continue to face high out-of-pocket expenses for complications linked to the disease.
Participants also cautioned against the growing online sale of counterfeit or illegally compounded weight-loss and diabetes drugs. They warned that unregulated products may pose serious health risks and urged Filipinos to consult licensed physicians before starting any treatment.
The forum ended with a shared call among medical experts and members of the media to strengthen public understanding that obesity and diabetes require timely, science-based care, an approach they said is critical to improving health outcomes and easing the long-term burden on the country’s healthcare system.
— With Rosette Adel
