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Strengthening Food Environment Policies to Combat Rising Childhood Overweight and Obesity


Childhood overweight and obesity have become a growing public health concern in the Philippines, driven by changing food environments, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles among children and adolescents. Despite existing nutrition and health programs, critical policy gaps remain, especially in regulating unhealthy food marketing, labeling, and other factors influencing dietary behavior. This policy brief examines the rise of childhood overweight and obesity as a food-environment policy issue. It also reviews current legislative proposals and identifies policy options to strengthen government action. The study finds a convergence of proposals around restrictions on child-directed marketing, front-of-pack labeling, nutrient profiling, and fiscal measures. Based on these findings, the paper recommends developing a comprehensive national framework to promote healthier food environments and better protect Filipino children from factors contributing to unhealthy food consumption and obesity.



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