Cebu News
NNC raises alarm over “worsening” nutrition –
Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon – The Freeman
July 13, 2026 | 12:00am
CEBU, Philippines — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has expressed concern over the findings of the 2025 Updating Survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), which showed worsening nutrition indicators among Filipinos between 2023 and 2025
The survey found that child stunting among children aged 0 to 5 years increased from 23.6 percent in 2023 to 25.3 percent in 2025, while the prevalence of underweight children rose from 15.1 percent to 16.2 percent during the same period
The study also showed a significant increase in overweight and obesity among Filipino adults, rising from 39.8 percent in 2023 to 44.5 percent in 2025, indicating that nearly one in every two adults is now overweight or obese
According to the NNC, the findings, which were released last month, reflect an increase in stunting, which translates to persistent gaps in maternal and child nutrition, food access, and health services
As defined, stunting is a form of chronic malnutrition that can cause irreversible damage to a child’s physical growth and cognitive development if not addressed within the first 1,000 days of life
The council also cited the economic impact of chronic malnutrition, noting that stunting costs the country an estimated three percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), or about P473 billion annually, due to reduced productivity and increased healthcare expenses
The rise in overweight and obesity, on the other hand, was attributed to changing dietary patterns, low levels of physical activity, poor infant and young child feeding practices, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles
The NNC said obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, musculoskeletal disorders, fatty liver disease, and certain cancers
Despite the worsening trends, the survey also reported improvements in several nutrition indicators related to the “First 1,000 Days of Life program”
The prevalence of nutritionally at-risk pregnant women declined from 19.1 percent in 2023 to 16.1 percent in 2025, while stunting among children aged 0 to 23 months decreased from 22.5 percent to 21.1 percent
More children also achieved the Minimum Dietary Diversity and Minimum Acceptable Diet standards compared with previous survey results
The NNC said these improvements demonstrate the importance of sustaining and expanding investments in maternal and child nutrition programs
As the country reaches the midpoint of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028, the NNC said it will continue to accelerate the implementation of key nutrition policies, including Republic Act No. 11148, or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act of 2018, the National Policy in Addressing Obesity and Other Metabolic Disorders, and the Philippine Nutrient Profile Model
The council called on national government agencies to strengthen nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, expand school-based nutrition programs, and promote healthier food environments
Local government units were also urged to prioritize nutrition programs, particularly those focusing on the First 1,000 Days of Life, and establish fully staffed Local Nutrition Offices
The NNC likewise encouraged development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, families, and communities to support nutrition initiatives by promoting healthier diets, exclusive breastfeeding, proper complementary feeding, and active lifestyles
“The 2025 Updating Survey is more than a set of statistics, it is a call to action,” said NNC Officer-in-Charge Executive Director IV Atty. Rosalina U. Bascao
Bascao said the survey findings should be translated into stronger policies, increased investments, and collective action to achieve a healthier, more resilient, and food-secure Philippines under the vision of “Nutrisyong Sapat, Para sa Lahat.”
The country is currently celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan,” which highlights the close relationship between healthy ecosystems and nutritious food
‘;
// if (!sparti.hasClass(“badge-sponsored”)){
// $(insBadg).insertAfter( sparti );
// }
// }
function facebook_philstar_embed(href){
spfa = sparwr.find(‘.facebook-philstar-embed’);
w = $(window).width() >= 500 ? 500 : 320;
if ( spfa.length > 0 ){
spfa.html(”);
}
}
/*
* Iframe that don’t treat as videos
*/
//start edit here
var thirdPartySites = [
‘livecenter.norkon.net’,
‘live.amcharts.com’,
‘scribd.com’,
‘web.facebook.com’,
‘nclivecenterwest.azurewebsites.net’,
‘media.philstar.com’
];
//end edit here
notVideoIframe(thirdPartySites);
/*
* Display facebook widget by Publisher name
*/
})(jQuery);
BrandSpace Articles
Tribute to modern-day heroes: Palawan Group honors OFWs in Hong Kong
The rise of human-centered AI: This chatbot learned to speak Filipino
BPIF and ACEN seal 3-year partnership to empower underserved Filipinos with financial knowledge, skills
SM Supermalls expands the country’s largest pickleball destination with more courts and tournaments
Nutritionist Jo Sebastian unpacks the art of mindful snacking
Beyond shopping: SM redefines Cebuâs lifestyle landscape with new experiences, opportunities
Access to back-to-school essentials made easier with Home Credit’s deals as low as P27/day
Häfele Philippines launches new digital door lock solutions for modern Filipino homes, businesses
DOTr, nanawagan ng sama-samang aksyon para sa mas ligtas na kalsada
How Fidoph helps Filipinos pursue their goals through digital lending
<
>
- Latest
Latest
Latest
abtest
Cebu joins arbitral award rites
By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon | 44 minutes ago
The Philippine Coast Guard District Central Visayas, Philippine-flagged vessels, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) and other members of the maritime community joined the nationwide “Tunog ng Karagatan” observance…
LTO-7 sacks 40 workers over alleged corruption
By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon | 44 minutes ago
Around 40 personnel of the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas have been terminated from service over their alleged involvement in corrupt practices, including extortion during roadside operations, illegal…
LTO recruits 500: More deputies to hit the streets
By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon | 1 day ago
To solidify the presence of law enforcement on the streets, the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas is targeting to increase the number of deputized traffic enforcement personnel to at least 500 across…
Two foreigners hurt after plaints over loud music
By Shiela Mae Agrabio | 1 day ago
Two foreign nationals were injured in separate attacks in Cebu City and Toledo City after asking suspects to turn down loud music. Two men were later arrested and are now facing criminal complaints.
436 arrested in Safer Cities drive
By Shiela Mae Agrabio | 1 day ago
The Cebu Police Provincial Office apprehended 436 ordinance violators during 237 police operations conducted across Cebu Province last Friday, July 10, under the Safer Cities Initiative.
next
| OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now! REMEMBER ME CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
