The Philippines has been found to be one of the least healthy countries in Asia, even lagging behind countries such as India.
The finding comes from a study performed by AIA Group, a Pan-Asian insurance company. In the study, the country scored 61 out of 100 – below the regional average of 64.
The study showed the Philippines ranked lower in 2016 that it did in the same surveys in 2001 and 2013.
AIA said “Eighty per cent of adults in the Philippines are not really satisfied with their health.”
The survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews across the region. The study showed that 44 per cent of adults are overweight due to insufficient exercise and poor eating habits – out of this percentile, only 25 per cent said they would like to lose weight.
The survey also showed that 74 per cent of adults claimed to exercise regularly, but noted that most exercise for only 2.1 hours each week (the regional average is three hours).
Eighty-four per cent of those surveyed said they tend to eat unhealthy, 81 per cent admitted to eating too many snacks between meals, while 71 per cent took their dinners too close to bedtime.
Internet addiction is not healthy
The survey also cemented the reality that Internet addiction has created a modern day threat to healthy lifestyles within the country.
Fifty-two per cent of those surveyed admitted to being addicted to the internet, spending far too much time online.
Parents who were part of the study admitted their children watch too much television, and played video games online constantly.
The Philippines is well known for heart disease, strokes, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and cancer. The country also has a high percentage of citizens who become bedridden in their lifetime.
The country is also heavily affected by depression and anxiety issues.
Out of those surveyed, only 50 per cent said they had undergone a medical checkup in the past 12 months – far below that of the 58 per cent who took part the 2011 study.
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