Rock the fat away to healthier, better lives

MANILA, Philippines - Roche and Orlistat (Xenical) have partnered with the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO) to launch a health advocacy raising awareness on overweight and obesity, including safe and unsafe methods of weight loss.

The “Rock The Fat Away” campaign was launched at the Glorietta Activity Center last April 6, rocking Pinoys to commit to healthier, better lives through a holistic approach that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and taking care of all aspects of well-being.

Overweight and obesity rank fifth among the leading risks for global deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with at least 2.8 million adults dying each year from the pandemic.

In the Philippines, a 2011 survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showed that almost 25 percent of Filipino adults are overweight, and about six percent are obese. This is creating a nation of heavyweights with high-risk disease factors such as respiratory and heart problems, liver and gall bladder diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer that may lead to death.

The prevalence of overweight Filipinos is expected to increase significantly, with 24 percent more overweight males and 44 percent more overweight females expected by 2015.

“The situation of increased risk for obesity and overweight problems requires further education and awareness among Filipinos, so that we can make better choices to improve our health and quality of life,” said Butch Lopez, Roche OTC business unit director. “We should all rock for healthier lifestyles, prevent ourselves from being overweight and obese, or lose harmful, excess fat for better quality of life.”

“Obesity is a modern-day epidemic that warrants immediate actions,” added Dr. Gabriel Jasul, president of PASOO. “It is a public health problem requiring public health solutions, and it is high time that we have an awareness campaign like Rock The Fat Away in the Philippines.”

The Rock The Fat Away Campaign takes Orlistat (Xenical) Club New You philosophy to the wider public, emphasizing moderation and balance in all aspects of life throughout the journey to better health.

Club New You is a virtual portal aimed at providing guidance for weight loss and achieving a healthy body weight, with helpful tools like a BMI calculator and calorie counter. Rewards are earned by entering promo codes found on purchased Orlistat (Xenical) packs, which entitle members to special promos and prizes.

The party took guests on a Health Passport Journey with various pit stops — Your Body, Your Diet, Your Workout, Beauty and Wellness, Club New You — offering information and guidance on different aspects of health and how to rock healthier, better lives, mirroring Orlistat (Xenical) Club New You virtual portal (newyou.com.ph). Visitors had to accomplish a mission per pit stop to get Passport stamps and the chance to win exciting prizes.

Orlistat (Xenical) Club New You announced its search for the new face of Orlistat (Xenical), inviting Club New You members to share their inspiring weight loss story or their commitment to rock the fat away. Winners will get the whole rock star treatment — from a shopping spree, makeover, and a photo shoot, to a one-year gym membership, fabulous fitness items, and free supplies of Orlistat (Xenical).

“Shake it now, feel the rhythm, come on! What’re you waiting for, live life, let’s go! Rock the fat away. Rock your way to a better day!” Those words were belted out by soul diva Bituin Escalante to awe-struck crowds, as she sang the campaign anthem “Rock It! (Rock The Fat Away)” with rapper Dash Calzado, accompanied by a surprise flash mob featuring dance diva Regine Tolentino.

“The song is about seizing life, making the most out of it by keeping healthy so you can move about more freely and do everything you want,” said Harold Bongbong, Xenical brand manager. For more information on the campaign and Club New You, visit, www.newyou.com.ph and like the Club New You fan page facebook/clubnewyou.