Diabetes mellitus type 2 and obesity are two closely related metabolic diseases and to date are still a growing health challenge in Indonesian society.
Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2025, it is estimated that there are 20.4 million adults aged 20-79 years living with diabetes in Indonesia. This number is expected to increase to 28.6 million by 2050.
Then the Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) 2023 recorded the prevalence of obesity in Indonesian adults has reached 23.4 percent. This shows a significant increase in the last decade.
The condition of these two diseases is worrying and significantly increases the risk of various serious complications. Starting from cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, as well as lowering the quality of life of patients, so it must be immediately overcome.
Chairman of the Indonesian Obesity Study Association (HISOBI), Prof. dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Sp.PD-KEMD, Ph.D., emphasized that obesity is one of the metabolic diseases that need to be managed properly. Good management of obesity, then can reduce the complications that may occur, especially diabetes.
"Talking about obesity is not just talking about body shape. Obesity is a problem of changing body metabolism factors," said Prof. Dante in an official statement, Monday, July 6, 2026.
"Therefore, the approach to treating obesity is very crucial as a preventive measure to prevent further complications. By reducing the obesity rate, we can directly reduce the incidence of diabetes, reduce the incidence of hypertension, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other associated diseases," he added.
Thus, the presence of drug innovations for the treatment of obesity and diabetes is very necessary. Such as PT Anugerah Pharmindo Lestari (APL), a Zuellig company, which has just announced the presence of tirzepatide in Indonesia.
Tirzepatide is the first dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist of its class. It offers a new evidence-based therapeutic option for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
"Introducing tirzepatide is an important step in our efforts to bring health innovations that have an impact on the Indonesian people and ensure that more patients can access the right therapy," said APL President Director Christophe Piganiol.
The presence of tirzepatide in Indonesia is realized thanks to close collaboration with the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). The head of BPOM, Prof. dr. Taruna Ikrar, M.Biomed., Ph.D., emphasized that every drug that obtains a distribution permit has undergone a rigorous scientific evaluation to ensure its safety, efficacy, and quality.
"BPOM is committed to continue to build an adaptive regulatory ecosystem so that the Indonesian people can benefit from innovations in the field of health while upholding patient safety standards," said Prof. Taruna.
Meanwhile, tirzepatide works by activating two natural incretin hormones, namely GIP and GLP-1, which play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels, increasing insulin sensitivity, and controlling appetite and energy balance.
With this dual working mechanism, it can present a more comprehensive therapeutic approach in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
"Various clinical studies show that tirzepatide is able to provide significant glycemic control while producing significant weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus," concluded the Chairman of the Indonesian Endocrinology Association (PERKENI), Prof. Dr. Em Yunir, SpPD-KEMD.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
