How Quezon City, Novo Nordisk Helped Parents Raise Healthier Kids

If you’ve ever worried about your child’s eating habits or how much time they spend on gadgets instead of playing outside, you’re not alone. Childhood obesity is on the rise in the Philippines, and more parents are asking: “How can I help my child grow up healthy when there are so many tempting, not-so-healthy options around us?”

At the recent Quezon City Obesity Summit, families got a dose of good news. The city launched the “Healthy QC” ordinance, a new policy designed to make it easier for parents and kids to live healthier lives.

What Does the Ordinance Mean for Families?

The “Healthy QC” ordinance builds an environment where healthier choices become natural, everyday choices. For parents, this means:

• Less guesswork when buying food for the family, with calorie information easier to find across the city
• More nutritious options available in schools and communities
• Support from the community, so healthy habits aren’t just reinforced at home but also outside — in schools, workplaces, and public spaces

Mayor Joy Belmonte reminded families that health is a shared effort. “Every choice we make towards our food and movement, every healthier habit that we build, and every act of encouragement that we give our friends and families—all of these are building blocks to a healthier city,” she said.

For parents, it’s a message that rings true: every little step counts. Choosing water instead of soda, preparing baon with fruits and vegetables, or encouraging kids to play outdoors instead of spending all afternoon on gadgets—they all add up.

More Than Just Willpower

One of the most important shifts that the summit emphasized — through Novo Nordisk’s Truth About Weight campaign—is that obesity is not just a lifestyle issue. It is a chronic disease.

“Science shows that obesity is driven by a mix of biology, genetics, environment, and access to healthy food. That means it’s not simply about discipline or willpower. This understanding helps remove the blame and guilt that many parents feel when weight becomes a challenge for their child,” said Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. 

For families, this perspective is empowering. It allows parents to focus on solutions, not stigma: creating healthier home environments, reinforcing balanced habits, and seeking medical guidance when needed.

Healthier Community

The Quezon City Obesity Summit also showed how collaboration can turn awareness into action. Alongside Novo Nordisk and the city government, several partners stepped up to make the event both educational and engaging for families.

The Royal Danish Embassy in the Philippines also joined the summit in support of the partnership between Quezon City and Novo Nordisk. The collaboration underscores Denmark’s commitment to advancing public health programs worldwide through sustainable and science-based health solutions. 

“Tackling obesity requires both local action and global collaboration,” said Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin. “We are proud to support initiatives that help build healthier communities, especially for children. Through partnerships like this, we can create lasting health impact and improve quality of life for families in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, Arla encouraged parents to explore healthy cheese options for their children’s snacks. Century Pacific Food, Inc., through Century Tuna, shared tips on preparing healthy pambaon rich in protein and nutrients.

Lego Philippines and Flying Tiger Copenhagen inspired kids to stay active and creative through interactive toys that promote both physical and mental exercise.

These collaborations highlight that building a healthier generation isn’t just a government or healthcare task—it’s a shared responsibility among brands, communities, and families.

Raising Kids in a Healthier City

With the “Healthy QC” ordinance, parents in Quezon City now have more allies in their corner. Imagine your child growing up in a community where:

• Healthy food is easier to find than junk food,
• Nutrition information is clear and accessible, and
• Active living is encouraged and celebrated

That’s the vision the city is working toward. And it can make parenting a little less stressful when it comes to health.

Biggest Role

Even with community support, parenting still plays the biggest role in shaping children’s health. And if you’re concerned about your child’s growth or weight, check in with your pediatrician or a nutritionist for guidance.

At the end of the day, parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about the consistent, small choices we make for our kids. With policies like “Healthy QC” and campaigns like Truth About Weight, families are no longer facing obesity alone—they have the science, the support, and the community to help.

Because when we treat obesity as the disease it truly is, we can focus on what matters most: raising children who are strong, confident, and ready to thrive.

###

This article is part of a partnership with Novo Nordisk Philippines to raise awareness and end the stigma around obesity. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Visit the Truth About Weight website to explore resources, tools, and real stories of Filipinos navigating obesity with courage and compassion.