DOH-6 Warns Against Lifestyle Diseases Due to Consumption of Fastfoods

Iloilo City (PNA) -– The Department of Health Regional Office 6 (DOH-6) has cautioned the public against the health risks posed by the excess consumption of fastfoods.

The agency said people aged 20 and above are the ones prone to obesity, overweight and other lifestyle diseases brought about by these kinds of food.

John Lapascua, DOH-6 Sr. Health Program Officer, said the lifestyle diseases usually associated with obesity and overweight include cardiovascular, diabetes and hypertension. The easiest way to determine obesity is through the waistline measurement which showed over 32 inches for women and 34 inches for men.

Lapascua said the recent report showed that 21 percent of the population is overweight and obese and the figure is alarming. Out of this number, 27 percent are males and 34 percent are females whose health are at risk.

The DOH program officer said that a person tending to be overweight must eat in moderation and should prefer vegetables, fruits and other low fat foods. They must also avoid salty and fatty foods.

In Western Visayas, chronic deficiency leading to obesity is 13.9 percent more than the national average in 20 years old and above. (PNA) FFC/BNB/AJP/LCP/CBF