Obesity Cases Continue to Increase, Education and Medical Support are Needed

JAKARTA - The World Obesity Day 2026 commemoration is an important moment in the world of health. Understanding how to deal with obesity is now entering a new phase after the World Health Organization issued the latest global guidelines that recognize the role of medical interventions, including the use of GLP-1-based drugs, as part of a comprehensive treatment.

Currently, what is emphasized is the importance of education so that the public is brave to take proactive steps, seek the help of professional health workers, and get accurate medical information from trusted sources.

Globally, more than one billion people live with obesity. This number is expected to continue to increase to reach around four billion people or half the world's population by 2035. The economic impact is also very large, with an estimated global cost of USD 3.23 trillion by 2030.

In Indonesia, obesity is becoming a serious health challenge. Data shows that one in four adults is obese. The figure rose from 21.8% in 2018 to 23.4% in 2023. Research from IPB also estimates that the economic losses due to obesity reach around Rp. 78.4 trillion per year.

In addition, obesity is a major risk factor for various non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, which contribute to around 1.7 million premature deaths each year in the world.

The numbers illustrate the millions of people who struggle every day with a condition that is often misunderstood. Obesity is not just a matter of lack of discipline or personal failure. It is a complex chronic disease, influenced by genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors.

Therefore, managing it is not enough to rely on willpower. Unfortunately, the stigma that is still attached often makes people reluctant to seek medical help.

"Medically, obesity is a complex chronic disease, not just a lifestyle problem or lack of willpower. In the body there is a biological mechanism in the form of hormones that regulate hunger and fullness in the brain, but in many individuals, this system does not function properly," said dr. Diana Suganda, Sp.GK, M.Kes., clinical nutrition specialist doctor when met at Republic Padel TB Simatupang, South Jakarta on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

"This is what causes weight loss efforts through willpower or willpower alone to often fail, because the individual is actually fighting against his own body's biological system," he continued.

In line with this, dr. M. Vardian Mahardika, M.Biomed, Sp.PD, AIFO-K, internal disease specialist, emphasized that national guidelines have classified obesity as a chronic disease that is the root of various serious health risks, ranging from type 2 diabetes to heart disease.

Because it is chronic and biologically complex, its management requires a structured medical approach. In general, there are three main pillars in the treatment of obesity, namely lifestyle changes, drug therapy, and bariatric surgery.

Dr. Diana mentioned that a comprehensive medical approach now includes GLP-1-based therapy for long-term use for sustainable results. Based on available clinical data, this therapy shows:

- About one in three patients can lose 20% or more of their weight with an average loss of about 17%.

- The reduction that is being sought is not only about numbers, but its quality, namely reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass so that body function, mobility, and strength are maintained. Clinically, fat reduction can reach up to 84% of the total weight lost.

- This quality weight loss is also proven to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease by up to 20%.

With proper medical treatment, the ultimate goal is not only to achieve a healthier body weight, but also to reduce the risk of serious complications so that the quality and life expectancy of patients can be improved.

This experience was also felt by musician Audy Item. He admitted that relying on one's own will is not always enough.

"I came to the point where I understood that obesity is a medical condition that cannot be managed alone. The proactive step of seeking professional help is the key to getting out of the exhausting cycle of struggle," said Audy.

He added that the accompaniment of doctors made his journey feel lighter and more directed.

"After being accompanied by a doctor, the results are real and quality. I not only lost weight, but also regained my health and mobility. For friends who are still struggling, the most crucial first step is to seek professional medical assistance, one of which is through www.NovoCare.id." he said.

On the other hand, the pharmaceutical company engaged in the field of obesity therapy confirmed its commitment to presenting scientific research-based medical solutions. With a long experience in obesity research globally, they stated that their focus was not only on weight loss, but also on long-term health quality, including maintaining muscle mass and reducing cardiovascular risk.

The company's medical representative also reminded the importance of seeking help from the beginning. Obesity should not be handled alone or only based on information that is not clear about its source. Access to science-based information and consultation with a doctor is an important first step so that treatment can be carried out properly and safely.