Underweight, Stunting Prevalent Among Davao Region children

The 8th national nutrition survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) reveals that 6 out of 10 Filipino households suffer from poor nutrition. Under nutrition hinders mental and physical development while over nutrition leads to obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In Davao region, the results of a 2011 DOST-FNRI survey indicate that 20% of children aged 0-5 years old, and 33% of school-age children are underweight for their age. The survey was conducted in Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Compostela Valley. The same survey reveals that stunting, being underheight-for-age, is high among 0-5 year-old and school-age children. The physical condition is an indicator of chronic malnutrition. These nutrition problems often result from poor eating habits, like skipping meals such as breakfast, or having an unbalanced diet, and can lead to poor school and […]

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