In a meeting with the House of Representatives, the Indonesian Nutritionists Association highlighted the importance of a multifaceted approach to tackle obesity and diabetes in Indonesia. Marudut Sitompul, PERSAGI's lead of innovation, research, and development, stressed that while sugar consumption is a significant factor, it is not the sole contributor to these health issues.
Sitompul referenced the World Health Organization's stance that excessive calorie intake is the primary cause of obesity. He pointed out an interesting disparity between sugar consumption and diabetes rates in different Indonesian regions. For instance, Yogyakarta residents consume the most sugar, yet Jakarta has the highest diabetes rate, suggesting that other factors are at play.
Recent global research has shed light on a potential link between heavy metal consumption and obesity. Sitompul drew attention to the common practice of wrapping fried street foods in old printed papers, which may contain lead in the ink. This combination of high-fat content and potential heavy metal exposure could contribute to health risks.
PERSAGI emphasizes the critical role of education in preventing obesity and related non-communicable diseases. The association advocates for teaching people about balanced diets tailored to individual factors such as age, sex, weight, and height. They have also put forward several recommendations, including:
1. Harmonizing existing regulations on sugar, salt, and fat limits
2. Conducting further studies on food and drink ingredient reformulation
3. Monitoring street foods
4. Investigating the correlation between taxes on high sugar, salt, and fat products and diabetes mellitus cases
Rudatin, the head of PERSAGI's central management board, highlighted alarming trends from the 2023 National Health Survey. The survey revealed a significant increase in obesity rates among adults aged 18 and above, with obesity now affecting even toddlers. She emphasized that Indonesia's nutritional challenges extend beyond stunting to include underweight, wasting, and obesity issues across various age groups.
The association's comprehensive approach underscores the complexity of addressing obesity and diabetes in Indonesia. By advocating for education, research, and policy harmonization, PERSAGI aims to create a more effective strategy to combat these growing health concerns. Their recommendations highlight the need for a holistic view of nutrition and health, considering factors beyond just dietary intake to include environmental exposures and socioeconomic factors.
As Indonesia grapples with these health challenges, the insights and recommendations from PERSAGI provide a valuable framework for policymakers and health professionals. By addressing the multifaceted nature of obesity and diabetes, the country can work towards more effective prevention and management strategies, ultimately improving the health outcomes for its population across all age groups.
