Why Obesity Means More Than Extra Weight
Obesity isn’t just about appearance
—it’s a serious health concern linked to metabolic disorders, a group of conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and fatty liver. Collectively, these form the metabolic syndrome, a dangerous combination that greatly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death ().
- In the Philippines, 11.9–14.5% of adults meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome ().
- Among overweight or obese Filipino adolescents, up to 21% already show signs of metabolic syndrome .
- Central obesity—fat around the waist—is especially common: 35% of women and 18% of men fall into this group ().
This link between obesity and metabolic disorders means more clinic visits, more medications, and increased risk of complications—impacting individuals and their families.
The Health & Financial Toll
Health Impact
- Type 2 Diabetes: Excess body fat accounts for around 64% of cases in men and 77% in women.
- Heart Disease, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia: Core components of metabolic syndrome affect roughly half of obese Filipinos.
Other complications include sleep apnea, fatty liver, arthritis, and certain cancers
Financial Burden
Even though exact figures for the Philippines are limited, global estimates place obesity-related healthcare costs at over $2 trillion annually. For Filipino families, this often means:
- Multiple medications
- Frequent specialist visits
- Income loss from illness
- Strain on both public and private healthcare systems
Approaches Beyond Surgery: Why They Often Fall Short
Treatment options before considering surgery include:
- Lifestyle Changes – A balanced diet, regular exercise, and behavioral counseling
- Medications – Orlistat, GLP-1 agonists (e.g. semaglutide), or short-term appetite suppressants
Minimally-Invasive Procedures – Options like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)
While helpful, these methods face challenges:
- Weight regain is common—many patients return to baseline within 1–2 years .
- Medications produce modest weight loss (6–12%), often with side effects.
- ESG yields more weight loss (~17–30% TBW at 1–2 years), but fewer improvements in hormones and long-term metabolic benefits compared to surgical options ().
These options are vital first steps, but often insufficient for patients with severe obesity or advanced metabolic disease.
The Multidisciplinary Approach: A Holistic Way Forward
At PAMOS, we believe obesity treatment works best with a team-based model, involving:
- Surgeons
- Endocrinologists
- Dietitians
- Psychologists
- Physical therapists
- Sleep medicine specialists
- Nurses
Studies in the Philippines show that such weight-management centers:
- Deliver significant weight loss (e.g., 4–5% in children; 34% TBW one year post-surgery)
- Maintain weight loss in 80% of patients at 1-year follow-up after surgery ()
Teams guide patients through lifestyle prep, mental health support, medical optimization, and long-term follow-up—ensuring better, sustainable results ().
When Surgery Becomes the Best Option
For individuals with BMI ≥35, or BMI 30–35 with metabolic conditions
–metabolic surgery often offers the best outcomes
Common Procedures in the Philippines
Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Removes ~75% of the stomach, reducing hunger and caloric intake
- Long-term weight loss: 45–60% of excess weight
One-year studies in Filipino centers show ~34% total body weight loss
Roux‑en‑Y Gastric Bypass
- Creates a small stomach pouch with intestinal rerouting
- Weight loss: ~57% excess weight, greater metabolic benefits ()
International data show up to 90% remission of diabetes, significant cholesterol and BP improvements, and 5–9 years added life expectancy ()