THE Department of Health lists 11 possible health conditions that qualify afflicted individuals for immediate vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Among these conditions include hypertension, both forms of diabetes, and all types of cancer. Another condition made it to the list, that is obesity — not as popular to many but is critically important yet overlooked.

The onslaught of the Covid-19 virus has significantly changed the course of healthcare management.

Causes for this widespread weight gain are varied, according to the WHO: the inability to walk anywhere, lack of access to gyms and sports facilities, and uncontrolled snacking as a way to manage stress and anxiety have all contributed to so many people gaining weight. As a result, individuals who were once more fit are now overweight, while overweight individuals become persons with obesity.

According to a study done by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute in Metro Manila alone, an estimated 9.6 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 59 are said to have a body mass index (BMI) in excess of 30 percent, the clinical definition of obesity. This figure translates into more than 700,000 Filipinos who are at risk for serious health complications down the line, including cirrhosis of the liver, compromised kidney function, and heart disease.

Manage your body weight with the free resources from The Body of Truth.

The Body of Truth page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/The-Body-ofTruth106821354732100) is an initiative pioneered by Novo Nordisk Philippines that aims to provide helpful information on obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle, with useful tips from reliable fitness, health and medical professionals.