Globally, obesity has been a growing concern among adults and children. By 2030, individuals with obesity might reach more than one billion worldwide, according to the
World Obesity Atlas 2022.
This
number is not far-fetched. In the Philippines alone, a recent study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of
the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) noted that there are currently
at least 27 million overweight and obese Filipinos.
But
what causes this condition? While various factors contribute to obesity, the
primary causes include having a sedentary lifestyle and consuming foods with a
large amount of salt and calories. People who experience this condition might
also experience musculoskeletal issues, cardiovascular problems, and even
cancer said the Department
of Health (DOH).
How an HMO plan helps with healthier diets, habits
To
prevent or treat obesity, an individual must start adopting an active lifestyle
paired with a more nutritious food selection consisting of vegetables, fruits,
and whole grains, among others. It is also complemented by reducing the
consumption of food rich in calories and salt.
However,
as easy as it seems, this is a challenge for people living with obesity because
this condition dramatically affects their way of life. Experts believe that it changes a person’s appetite, hormone
balance, feeling of fullness, digestion, and many more, which is why fighting
obesity would need help from medical professionals who can guide you and your
family towards healthier diets and habits.
To
provide appropriate care and reduce healthcare costs, MediCard,
a leading Health and Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the Philippines, has Individual and Family plans that you can avail for yourself and your family,
which start at PhP10,739 annually. Benefits include health management and
counseling on health habits and diets to help your
family’s journey in living a healthy lifestyle while preventing or managing
obesity.
It
also has family hospitalization (in-patient) services and outpatient care. For
instance, conditional to a member’s diagnosis and plan, it covers X-ray and
laboratory examinations, operating and recovery room expenses, and services of
MediCard specialists, including anesthesiologists, internists, surgeons, and
many more.
For
outpatient care, this plan allows members to access different physicians in
MediCard free-standing clinics and MediCard-accredited clinics or hospitals in
the country. Depending on a member’s coverage, this can include regular
consultations, specialist referrals, and laboratory or diagnostic examinations
prescribed by a MediCard physician.
In
addition, MediCard’s Individual and Family plans cover routine immunization,
annual physical examination (APE), counseling on family planning, preventive
healthcare services at any MediCard free-standing clinic, complete blood count,
Pap smear for women above 40 years old, and dental care services from any
accredited dental clinic.
MediCard
is the first and leading HMO founded and managed by doctors. Over the years, it
has provided the most comprehensive and innovative healthcare programs and
fitness activities to help people achieve healthier lives.
To
learn more about MediCard Philippines, visit its website at https://www.medicardphils.com/.
