Obesity Now Becomes An Epidemic In Indonesia, Fast And Proper Handling Is Needed

JAKARTA - More than 890 million adults live with obesity and 2.5 billion people are overweight. Non-communicable diseases (PTM) include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory problems cause 75 percent of all deaths in the world, with obesity as one of the main risk factors.

Indonesia is currently facing an increasingly worrying epidemic of obesity. Nearly one in four adults or 23.4 percent are affected by obesity, according to the Indonesian Health Survey.

"Currently, 23.4 percent has only increased from last year's 21 percent. Then when compared to 10 years ago, it's better even more, because in the past it was only about 14 percent. And keep in mind that this is only adults, not yet children," said UGM medical faculty nutritionist Digna Niken Purwaningrum, during a press conference in Kuningan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

This figure has doubled in just the last decade. The increase in obesity cases is influenced by various factors, ranging from excess eating and lack of movement, to genetic and hormone problems.

Many people still think that obesity is simply a result of a lack of will, weak discipline, or something that can be overcome only by diet and exercise. In fact, obesity is a chronic disease formed by complex hormonal, metabolic, and neurological pathways," he explained.

This causes quick and precise handling to be very necessary for obesity, as well as the focus of multi-employers dialogue, such as with the 'Bahas Tuntas Obesity, Collaboration Presents Bring Hope' forum.

The Forum emphasizes the importance of scientific understanding, clinical guidelines such as the National Guidelines for Handling Medicine (PNPK) Obesity, as well as regulations that encourage security and innovation.

According to General Manager of Novo Nordisk Indonesia, Sreerekha Sreenivasan, the company is committed to helping bring the latest global innovation in handling obesity to Indonesia.

"In Indonesia, Novo Nordisk is committed to encouraging changes through innovation, partnerships, and cross-sectoral actions, because no one party can solve this challenge alone. Our focus is to support efforts to bring the latest global innovation in handling obesity to Indonesia," said Sreekha Sreenivasan.

Meanwhile, PNPK comes with clear and proof-based handling channels, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This framework helps doctors standardize services and integrate obesity management systematically in medical practice.

PNPK also emphasized that the three main pillars of handling obesity, diet, physical activity as well as lifestyle changes, pharmacological therapy, and bariatric surgery. There is also comprehensive treatment and is adjusted to the needs of each patient.