The Cost of Obesity in the Filipino Workforce
Obesity is a widespread chronic disease in the Philippines and a primary driver of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. As highlighted by the EpiCOb-PH study, a model-based study that estimated the epidemiological and economic burden of obesity to the Philippines, this crisis imposes a staggering economic burden. For businesses, the impact is twofold: direct costs from rising healthcare expenses and insurance claims, and severe indirect costs via workforce productivity losses caused by absenteeism, presenteeism, and potentially premature retirement or mortality. Addressing obesity is no longer just an HR afterthought; it is a strategic business priority.
As vital stakeholders in public health, employers are uniquely positioned to address this crisis by linking workplace health initiatives to corporate growth. Implementing evidence-based wellness interventions safeguards employee well-being while protecting corporate profitability. Mitigating this issue requires shared responsibility and coordinated action across healthcare providers, policymakers, and business leaders.
To catalyze this shift, Novo Nordisk Philippines and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines are organizing a strategic forum.
Key Discussion Topics include:
- Obesity Epidemiology: Prevalence trends and chronic disease risks in the Philippines.
- Economic Burden: Financial impacts of direct medical costs and productivity losses.
- Workplace Implications: Effects on employee performance and corporate expenses.
- Actionable Strategies: Effective workplace interventions and healthcare partnerships.
The forum aims to deliver measurable, long-term impact by elevating obesity to a critical boardroom agenda item. It will drive employers to transition from passive awareness to active health management, spark vital partnerships between corporations and healthcare providers, and lay the programmatic and policy foundations needed to combat obesity at both organizational and national levels.
For registration inquiries, please contact Events Secretariat at events@eccp.com.
