LAOAG: The Ilocos Norte Provincial Nutrition Action Office (PNAO) is holding its first 'biggest loser' challenge from July to November to prevent lifestyle diseases, particularly among overweight and obese children and adults. Provincial nutrition action officer Elma Irapta told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that the program is being implemented in line with the province's Nutrition Month celebration. The competition will have two categories -- female 20-59 years and boys 6-10 years, the age range with the most number of obese individuals, based on the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) survey 'Next year, we will have male and female categories for both age groups,' she said. According to the latest data on overweight and obesity in the province, the towns of Currimao, Bacarra, Vintar, Paoay and Dingras have the highest prevalence of overweight and obese children under five years old. "While the numbers are not that alarming, we must do something to prevent it,' Irapta said, citing that prevalence rate of overweight and obese in the province is at 3.4 percent or within the low level of public health significance of less than five percent. She said they are still finalizing the mechanics of the competition and the prizes. Over the past five years, Ilocos Norte has continually improved its nutrition status with the consistent decrease in underweight, overweight, stunting, and wasting cases. To sustain this, the PNAO has been spearheading feeding programs not only for children but also for the pregnant. The salt iodization program is also being monitored in sample households, markets, neighborhood stores, and groceries to secure the nutritional well-being of consumers, particularly among children and pregnant and lactating women. Source: Philippines News Agency