Don't Just Check the Scale! Pants Size Can Be an Early "Alarm" for Obesity

JAKARTA - Many of us feel safe as long as the numbers on the scales do not shift far. However, did you know? Increasingly tight pants can be a more accurate warning than body weight.

dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M.Epid., Director of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, revealed that the size of pants is the simplest indicator to detect central obesity - alias fat accumulation in the abdominal area.

"If the size of the pants is increasing, it is an alarm for us. Central obesity is easiest to see from the waist circumference, not just the scale number," said Dr. Nadia as quoted by ANTARA.

Fact Figures: Belly Fat Increasing

Data shows a worrying trend in Indonesia. Based on the Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) 2023, the central obesity rate increased from 31% (2018) to 36.8% in 2023.

So, what is the safe limit of our waist circumference?

Male: Maximum 90 cm

Female: Maximum 80 cm

If your waistline has crossed that number, even if your body looks "normal" or not fat overall, you still fall into the high-risk category.

Hidden Dangers Behind Belly Fat Why is central obesity more dangerous? Fat accumulation in the abdominal area is directly related to the risk of serious non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as:

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Diabetes Mellitus

Heart Disease

Stroke

"Many people feel healthy because their weight is normal, even though the fat distribution in their stomach is excessive. This is often not realized," added dr. Nadia.

Simple Steps to Start Changing

Obesity does not happen overnight, but is the result of a long-term lifestyle. To prevent it, dr. Nadia suggests several preventive steps:

Routine Check: Measure the waist circumference and Body Mass Index (BMI) at least once a year.

GGL formula: Start by reducing the intake of Sugar, Salt, and Fat in daily meals.

Active Movement: Don't be lazy to exercise or just a routine walk.

Small changes today can save you from future health complications. Let's start being more sensitive to your own waist size!