NUTRI-KARENDERIA. Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Maria Teresa Ungson says they are eyeing to launch a program for food establisents to label the calorie count on each food serving in Davao City. Ungson said in a press conference held at the SM City Davao, on Monday, July 3, that the program aims to lessen obesity and overweight cases in the city. (Robby Joy D. Salveron/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Are you conscious of your calorie intake?
A new program of the Nutrition Council in Davao region aims to make the public be aware of the calories from the food served in the establishments.
Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr. Maria Teresa Ungson said that by labelling each food serving with the corresponding number of calories, the public will be aware of their calorie food intake.
The new program called “Nutri-Karenderia” aims to counter obesity and promote a healthier lifestyle, Ungson said.
The program was based on a study conducted by nutritionists in the city.
“It’s part of our advocacy. We have to promote also to karenderias (eateries) to make their food healthier. You have to get deeper to get into that consciousness,” Ungson said.
Ungson added the study covers at least 10 food establishments near a business process outsourcing (BPO) office where several nutritionists are monitoring and assessing the calorie count of each food serving daily. She said 30 people are also being monitored as part of the assessment of the study.
While the study has yet to conclude, Ungson said that they are optimistic that the result of the study will have a positive effect to both consumers and business owners.
“I hope that everybody will support this endeavour and hopefully we will be the first one in the whole country to have this labelling in food establishments. This will guide the public in their choices when they eat in the karenderia or restaurant,” Ungson said.
Based on a 2013 national survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 31.1 percent of the total population of 20 years old and above are overweight and obese. Out of the 31.1 percent, 34.4 percent are female while 27.6 percent male.
Ungson said that majority are female because of the lifestyle change such as giving birth and being highly-stressed.
In Davao, a total of 32.8 percent was recorded to be overweight and obese.
“It’s quiet alarming because we are talking about 30 percent of the population and when we talk about adults, this is the workforce. We are in this age group, we are the ones running our economy,” Ungson said.
Ungson urged the public that the best way to have a healthier lifestyle is still through proper diet and exercise. (davaotoday.com)
