How Filipinos View Obesity: Findings From the ACTION APAC Study

This sub-analysis of the ACTION APAC study aimed to identify perceptions, attitudes and behaviors related to obesity and its management among people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare providers (HCPs) in the Philippines, identifying barriers to effective care and contributing to management strategies.

ACTION APAC was a cross-sectional, non-interventional, descriptive survey conducted from April 14 to May 23, 2022 across nine countries, involving 1,000 PwO and 201 HCPs.

Most participants agreed that obesity is an illness but 91% of PwO felt losing weight was entirely their responsibility. Both groups identified similar motivators and barriers to weight loss. Weight stigma significantly impacted PwO but fewer than half discussed weight with their HCPs. Many PwO were happy with their weight and did not consider themselves as having obesity. Lifestyle modifications were preferred for weight management by both groups, while HCPs were reluctant to prescribe pharmacotherapy or recommend bariatric surgery due to lack of knowledge and cost, respectively.

The study revealed a discrepancy between recognizing obesity as an illness and attitudes towards its treatment, highlighting a need for better education and tailored management strategies that consider cultural factors in the Philippines.