NNC raises alarm over “worsening” nutrition -

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.