ILOILO City – The National Nutrition Council (NNC) in Western Visayas is sounding the alarm on the wide-ranging health and social consequences of poor dietary habits, warning that unhealthy food choices are not only fuelling chronic diseases but also impairing productivity and mental well-being across all age groups.
“Stress, fatigue, and diminished functional capacity are significant consequences of failing to adhere to a healthy diet,” said Sherley Sedantes, officer-in-charge and program coordinator of NNC Region 6, during a media conference organized by the Department of Health (DOH) here.
Sedantes emphasized that excessive consumption of processed food high in sugar and sodium contributes to elevated blood pressure, obesity, and more serious health complications such as heart disease and diabetes.
“The detrimental effects of poor dietary habits are far-reaching. They increase the risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, which can lead to further health complications like heart disease and diabetes,” she added.
According to the NNC-6, the consequences of unhealthy eating extend far beyond weight gain. A poor diet is linked to a weakened immune system, reduced lifespan, mental health issues, nutrient deficiencies, digestive problems, fatigue, and frequent mood changes.
The discussion comes ahead of the observance of Diabetes Awareness Week in 2025, as mandated by Proclamation No. 213, signed into law in 1993. The nationwide observance aims to raise awareness on prevention and control strategies for diabetes, including healthy eating, physical activity, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Sedantes also noted that undernutrition remains a pressing concern in the region. Conditions such as stunting and wasting, along with micronutrient deficiencies or excesses, pose serious threats to children and adults alike.
These issues contribute to increased mortality rates and higher disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a metric used to gauge the total burden of disease she said.
Sedantes further underscored that poor dietary outcomes also reflect a deeper societal failure: “These are not just personal health problems. They violate the basic human right to adequate food and slow down our progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2 — ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition.”
To combat these issues, Sedantes recommended practical and sustainable lifestyle adjustments. These include planning meals based on the DOH-endorsed “Pinggang Pinoy” food plate model, prioritizing home-cooked meals, and incorporating affordable, nutrient-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, legumes, and small fish.
She also urged the public to avoid processed foods and shift to whole foods, noting that canned fish and eggs can be healthier alternatives to red meat.
In addition, Sedantes encouraged families and barangays to establish community gardens to increase access to fresh produce.
“Simple changes like growing your own food and cooking at home can make a big difference,” Sedantes said. “It’s about making conscious, long-term decisions that benefit both individual health and community well-being.”/PN
