Among provinces, Catanduanes had the greatest proportion of underweight children at 49.6 percent, or 7.4 percentage points higher than the regional figure. Camarines Sur followed at 47.7 percent while Sorsogon had the least at 33.5 percent. The OPT results also revealed that the three cities had lesser percentage of underweight children than the provinces with Iriga City having the least at 27.8 percent.

On the other hand, overweight children were more prevalent in Legazpi City (4.5 percent) than in any other city/province. Camarines Norte had the least at 2.85 percent. 

Nutritional Status of Children Age 0-7 Years Old 
by Province/City, Region V: 1999

Being underweight is an indication of protein-energy malnutrition caused by poor food intake especially energy and protein rich foods. Protein-energy malnutrition is characterized by marked weight loss and failure to grow. It also results to impaired physical and mental development, slow resistance to infections, low work productivity and even death. Malnutrition, in general is a pathological state resulting from a relative lack of or absolute deficiency of nutrients. It also results from an excess of nutrients.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) recommends the following action plan to maintain a child’s normal growth: 1) Monitor weight and height regularly; 2) Encourage a varied and well balanced diet; 3) Include milk in the child’s daily diet or incorporate milk in other foods; 4) Use fortified foods; 5) Provide a good breakfast, nutritious school lunch and snacks; 6) Continue feeding a sick child appropriately; and 7) Take care of increased nutritional needs of adolescents by giving adequate and varied meals to get them ready for adulthood.

Source: Regional Operation Timbang, Department of Health and National Nutrition Council