Health experts are urging parents to stop packing unhealthy school lunches, revealing that local high school students face a much higher risk of becoming overweight than elementary pupils.
Dr. Imelda Degay, a nutrition professor from Benguet State University, explained that weight problems worsen as children grow older.
“Mas mataas yung overweight sa high school children compared sa elementary,” she stressed.
The rising numbers reflect a broader regional health crisis, with the Cordillera Administrative Region ranking near the top of national statistics.
“Second na tayo of 17 regions in the Philippines, we have the highest prevalence of overweight,” Degay added.
Degay attributed the trend among older students to sedentary classroom habits and greater financial independence, which allows them to purchase fast food, sugary milk tea, and junk food after leaving campus, attributing that this lifestyle shift creates long-term physiological challenges.
“The moment you become overweight, your body metabolism slows down,” Degay said, warning that a slower metabolism traps the body into retaining fat.
Degay cautioned parents against packing processed meats such as hotdogs, longganisa, and tocino, noting their links to chronic diseases like cancer as dietary habits at home also contribute to the issue.
She also targeted the hidden sugars in popular store-bought beverages, which provide empty calories without nutritional value.
“An eight-ounce cup of Coke contains five teaspoons of sugar,” Degay added.
In response to the crisis, the Department of Education and city health workers are inspecting campus canteens to enforce bans on prohibited junk foods and protect students from future cardiovascular issues.
Health officials are urging parents to replace sugary drinks and processed meats with fresh, home-cooked meals to keep students healthy and active throughout the school year. Clariz Hidalgo | UC Intern
