The surge in obesity cases in Indonesia over the past five years is considered a signal of a health emergency that needs to be addressed immediately through lifestyle changes and stronger nutrition education.In a statement on Thursday, Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong clinical nutrition specialist, Dr. M. Ingrid Budiman, Sp.GK, AIFO-K, explained that obesity is not just a matter of body size, but a serious medical condition that can disrupt vital bodily functions.
"Many people think obesity is just about body size, but obesity can affect the heart, breathing, blood sugar levels, and even sleep quality. So this is no trivial matter," he said.
The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) recorded an increase in the prevalence of obesity among adults from 21.8 percent to 23.4 percent. Central obesity, or fat accumulation in the abdominal area, also increased significantly, from 31 percent to 36.8 percent. This data indicates a growing number of people at high risk for chronic disease.
According to Ingrid, fat accumulation in the abdominal area is one of the most dangerous conditions because it is directly related to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea, and several types of cancer.
