World Digestive Health Day: Wake-up call against junk food culture

As the world observes World Digestive Health Day on Thursday, May 29, 2025, health experts in the Philippines are sounding the alarm on an issue that hits close to home and the gut. In a joint news release dated March 4, the World Health Organization (WHO), Unicef and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) called for stronger food policies to curb the rising tide of childhood obesity in the country, a condition that is increasingly linked to digestive and metabolic disorders.

Alarming numbers

According to the agencies mentioned above, nearly one in 10 Filipino children and almost four in 10 adults are now overweight or obese. These rates are considered high by global standards and signal an urgent need for stronger food regulations.

Processed foods, sugar overload

A Unicef study found that more than a third of food products marketed to infants and toddlers in the Philippines contain added sugars or sweeteners. Shockingly, 87 percent of snacks like biscuits tested in the study had added sugars — despite being promoted as healthy.

“Children are growing up in environments where unhealthy food is more accessible than nutritious options,” the report noted.

Beyond weight

concerns, a diet high in sugar, salt and fat can lead to gut inflammation, nutrient malabsorption and long-term illnesses like diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Marketing to kids under fire

In a review of over 1,000 social media ads, 99 percent promoted unhealthy food — a clear violation of WHO’s standards on marketing to children. Experts say clearer food labeling and stricter ad regulations are essential.

“Labeling alone will not curb the aggressive promotion of unhealthy food to children,” the agencies warned.

What needs to change

Health agencies recommend banning the sale of unhealthy foods in and around schools, enforcing front-of-pack nutrition labeling and holding food companies accountable for marketing violations. Meanwhile, retailers and restaurants are encouraged to offer healthier, more affordable options.

“Policies must ban junk food in schools and curb misleading advertising,” said Behzad Noubary, Unicef Philippines’ acting representative.

Government, WHO support

The NNC reaffirmed its commitment to implementing stronger food policies, while the WHO offered technical support to help improve food labeling, reduce trans fats and promote healthier food procurement across the country.

As this year’s World Digestive Health Day reminds us, digestive wellness begins in childhood. To secure a healthier future for Filipino children, experts say bold steps must be taken, starting with what’s on their plates.