Health experts are sounding the alarm as chronic illnesses increasingly target younger generations in the Philippines. A troubling trend shows more Filipinos in their 20s and 30s are now being diagnosed with serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Sedentary Lifestyles and Fast Food Fuel the Crisis
Dr. Debrah Custodio, chief of clinics and head of the Emergency Department at ARC Hospitals, points directly to modern lifestyles as the culprit. She explains that many Cebuanos, constrained by hectic schedules, are turning to unhealthy fast food and leading inactive lives. "We are so busy, we cannot prepare our own food," Custodio stated on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The convenience of food delivery services, coupled with limited cooking skills, is exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, the expansion of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and its common graveyard shifts are major contributors. Night work and poor dietary habits are creating a health crisis among young working adults.
In Cebu Province alone, approximately 66,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes, and the age of patients continues to drop. Dr. Custodio specifically highlighted the role of popular "unli-rice" promotions at fast-food chains in driving up diabetes rates in the region.
Recognizing the Silent Warning Signs
Many individuals remain unaware of their condition because early symptoms can be mild or absent. Key warning signs for diabetes include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Recurrent infections
Dr. Custodio emphasized that heart disease is a 'silent killer.' Symptoms such as chest pain or pressure that radiates to the arm or jaw must never be ignored and require immediate medical consultation. She urges regular screening, especially for those who are inactive, overweight, or have a family history of diabetes, to enable early detection.
A Call for Proactive Health and Lifestyle Change
The solution, according to Dr. Custodio, lies in comprehensive lifestyle reform. She advocates for a heart-healthy regimen featuring a balanced diet low in salt and unhealthy fats, combined with regular physical activity.
Essential lifestyle changes should also include:
- Effective stress management techniques
- Avoiding tobacco use entirely
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Ensuring adequate and quality sleep
She encourages all residents to prioritize their health by scheduling regular check-ups, acting promptly on abnormal test results, and adhering to medical advice. Prevention through healthy eating and lifestyle adjustments can dramatically improve overall well-being.
Dr. Custodio also stressed the importance of updated vaccinations, including an annual influenza shot to combat new variants and reduce related illness, hospitalization, and death. For everyday protection, she reiterated the value of wearing face masks in crowded gatherings, calling it the most effective and affordable defense available.
The data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) underscores the urgency. From January to April 2025, the nation's leading causes of morbidity were heart disease, cancer, stroke, pneumonia, and diabetes, painting a clear picture of a public health challenge that is growing younger.
