IBA, Zambales (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) encourages the public to eat nutritious food to maintain a healthy weight.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle will reduce the likelihood of developing health problems. 

People who are significantly overweight are likely to develop type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and breathing disorders.

DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development Nutritionist-Dietitian Margarita Santos-Natividad warned that they can also develop gallbladder disease, gynecological problems, erectile dysfunction, and sexual health issues. 

She also noted that an increase in the consumption of foods that are high in fat and free sugars makes obesity a problem. 

"Food chains today offer extra sizes, combos, and promotions, and the tendency is that we get attracted to it," she said. 

Another reason is an increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many types of work, changing modes of transportation, and increased urbanization. 

"What we need is to increase our physical activity through exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes thrice a week,” she pressed.

The DOH record shows that Central Luzon has only a prevalence rate of 3.3 percent in terms of obesity or overweight individuals aged 0-59 months old.

Natividad stressed that obesity can be prevented through a balanced diet, physical activity, and positive self-esteem. 

Obesity treatment includes a nutritionally adequate plan, physical activity, pharmacological treatment, surgery, and behavior modification.

The agency urged individuals with weight and diet problems to consult a registered nutritionist dietitian. (CLJD/RGP-PIA 3)