OPT 2021 shows hike in malnutrition in Central Visayas

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY-- The Central Visayas 2021 Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus report showed a slight increase in malnutrution particularly among the underweight children from 4.2 percent in 2020 to 4.9 percent in 2021; for overweight and obese children from 2.7 percent to 3.1 percent in the same period.

The report noted that despite the decrease in prevalence rating from 10.1percent in 2020 to 9.7 percent in 2021, the magnitude of stunting has increased from 60,819 to 72,179 children less than five years of age already chronically malnourished.

While there were no changes in the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity, the report said that the number of recorded children with said form of malnutrition increased from 14,382 to 17,884.

The results of the 2021 OPT Plus is to call to action for people in Central Visayas to be more conscious of the threat of malnutrition and its effects to population health and efficiency.

The data is reflective of the changes in lifestyle and diet of children and shows the food insecurity experienced by one end of the population and the decrease in physical activity and increased consumption of processed food at the other end of the spectrum.

The National Nutrition Council (NNC7) in the region specifically calls for individuals and households to follow the 10 Kumainments and the Pinggang Pinoy. 

For local chief executives and LGUs to support the nutrition program by integrating nutrition in local development plans and annual investment programs.

For the academe, business sector and civil society to include nutrition and nutrition-sensitive activities in their work and financial plan and actively participate in scaling up activities.