ILOILO City – Alarmed by rising obesity rates and growing interest in medically guided weight‑loss treatments, the city government will stage its first-ever Health and Wellness Fair from March 26 to 28 at SM City Iloilo, highlighting responsible weight management and holistic healthcare.
The three‑day event will bring together hospitals, the Department of Health, wellness practitioners and health advocates to promote healthier lifestyles while positioning Iloilo City as an emerging hub for health and medical tourism, according to Dr. Candice Magdalane Tupas, executive assistant for health and head of the city’s medical tourism program.
“Since this is the very first Health and Wellness Fair, for all ages ini,” Tupas said. “On the first day, we will have a panel discussion on general wellness. We will be inviting influencers who embody wellness, cardiologists, and even the hyperbaric oxygen team of St. Paul’s Hospital because this is now a very popular approach for wellness.”
The second day of the fair will focus on weight management, which Tupas described as a growing global concern linked to rising obesity rates.
“According to the World Health Organization, one in 10 children is obese. Aside from malnutrition, obesity is really a problem,” she said. “It is important for all of us to maintain a healthy lifestyle and proper weight.”
A key part of the discussion will revolve around new medical approaches to weight management, including the supervised use of injectable medications used for weight loss and diabetes control.
“If you’ve heard now, injectable medications are being used. An invited speaker will guide us on how to use this medication for weight loss and also for diabetes control,” Tupas explained.
She cited Tirzepatide as one of the newer injectable drugs now gaining attention following its recent approval.
“In the past, it was only Ozempic that was Food and Drug Administration-approved. But recently, Tirzepatide, as of January, is already FDA-approved. Before that, it was in the black market and people were buying it at a hefty price,” she said. “Subong, available na siya sa aton nga mga botika and the price is more competitive.”
Tupas, however, cautioned the public against using such medications without proper medical supervision.
“The important thing is may guidance sang doctors on how to use it. Because may ara ini side effects. Sometimes you may experience loose bowel movements or other symptoms if you don’t use the correct dose,” she said. “Might as well that you are guided by a doctor.”
The final day of the fair will focus on senior citizens and alternative medicine, expanding the conversation beyond weight management to overall wellness across different stages of life.
Tupas said the initiative reflects Iloilo City’s broader vision of promoting comprehensive healthcare while strengthening its reputation as a destination for medical and wellness services.
“We want to promote Iloilo City not just for aesthetics or pagpapaganda, but for overall health and wellness,” she said. “This is about empowering people with the right information so they can make better health decisions.”
During the event, participating institutions will also set up booths offering health services, consultations and wellness information, allowing residents to access medical advice and preventive care in one venue./PN
