Non Communicable Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the top killers in the Philippines. Of the total deaths in 2008, 57% are due to the “fatal four” NCDs, namely cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease. It is estimated that 35 to 50 percent of NCD deaths occurred before age 60 years.

More Filipinos exposed to NCD risk factors

A significant proportion of Filipino adults continue to be exposed to the NCD risks of tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. This makes millions of Filipinos vulnerable in developing NCDs in the future.

More Filipinos exposed to NCD risk factors

A significant proportion of Filipino adults continue to be exposed to the NCD risks of tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. This makes millions of Filipinos vulnerable in developing NCDs in the future.

Assessing patients for risk factors is an important step in preventing NCDs.

Current prevalence of NCD risk factors among adults are:

• overweight and obesity (27%);
• hypertension (25%);
• overweight and obesity (27%);
• hypertension (25%);
• high blood sugar (5%); and
• high total cholesterol leve. (10%)

More than 75% of the adult population do not expend enough physical activity in their workplaces, homes or even in their leisure activities. Thirty one percent (31%) of the adult population are current smokers, and about 25% drink alcohol. The prevalence of smoking is significantly higher among poor adults. Alarmingly, an increasing number of children and adolescents are exposed to becoming overweight and to other NCD risks.