Prevent Misconception, Novo Nordisk Indonesia Encourages Discussions On Its Scientific Obesity And Understanding

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The central Obesity and obesity are one of the worrying health problems in Indonesia. Based on 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskedas) data, the prevalence of obesity among adults increased from 10.5 percent in 2007 to 21.8 percent in 2018. This increase shows the urgent need for an effective strategy to combat this health problem.

Despite the severity and connection with a number of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension and stroke, there are still many misconceptions related to obesity circulating in the community. Currently, many think that overcoming obesity is only a problem of reducing calories that enter and exercise. Unfortunately, managing obesity is much more complex than this assumption.

In commemoration of World Obesity Day on March 4, Novo Nordisk Indonesia held a media discussion to discuss scientific understanding of obesity. This year, Novo Nordisk Indonesia focuses on presenting a scientific understanding of fighting existing misconseptions. In line with the theme World Obesity Day 2024, Novo Nordisk Indonesia chose to raise the theme "Let's Talk about Obesity & Science Behind it", which is expected to straighten out misunderstandings about the issue of obesity.

Dr. dr. Gaga Irawan Nugraha, Sp.GK (K) from the Indonesian Obesity Study Association (HISOBI) said that central obesity and obesity are one of the global health problems, an estimated 1.9 billion people will suffer from obesity in 2035.

Therefore, it is very important not to underestimate the scientific complexity of this disease. Understanding the balance of energy is important to determine effective steps to overcome obesity. And to be able to understand the concept of energy balance, it is important to first understand how the brain regulates appetite and other factors that influence it," he said, in a written statement, quoted on Saturday, March 2.

Furthermore, he explained that the brain is a center for regulating a person's appetite and eating behavior which is influenced by three main drivers, namely homeostatic eating which is influenced by a hunger signal, hedonic eating hunger which is influenced by desire or pleasure and executive function which involves decision making for food. Lifestyle intervention affects the executive function," he added.

Gaga explained that providing an understanding regarding obesity is a crucial step in overcoming this complex problem.

"Although medical nutrition therapy and physical activity are the basis for managing obesity, this is not enough for many patients. We need to provide a more comprehensive handling of obesity in Indonesia, switching from what used to focus only on the body mass index (IMT, or body mass index, BMI) to focus on handling complications related to obesity. Three supporting pillars are needed to provide better obesity treatments, namely psychological intervention and behavior, pharmatherapy and bariatric surgery," he explained.

In addition, to support obese patients, he also emphasized the importance of the 5A framework: Ask, Assess, Advise, Agree, and Assist. This framework provides guidance for health workers to provide holistic care for people with obesity.

Talking about the prevalence of obesity in Indonesia, dr. Esti Widiastuti, MScPH, Head of the Mellitus Diabetes Team and Metabolic Disorders, Ministry of Health said, his party is always consistent in our commitment to overcome non-communicable diseases, and obesity is one of the main concerns of the Ministry of Health.

Collaborative efforts between government agencies, health service providers, and the private sector are crucial in dealing with these complex issues. We fully support initiatives to increase awareness, education and prevention of obesity, especially on World Obesity Day. This is an important matter for all stakeholders to work together in implementing effective measures to combat obesity and related health risks, ensuring a healthier future for all, "he explained. Dr. Riyanny Meisha Tarliman, Clinical, Medical, and Regulatory Novo Nordisk Indonesia added, in line with the ministry, Novo Nordisk Indonesia is committed to encouraging changes in the handling of obesity by focusing on education, advocacy and research, as well as working with various related parties. From year to year, Novo Nordisk Indonesia has always been actively involved in increasing public awareness and providing obesity-related education through various initiatives.

"One example is through WhatsApp Chatbot Tanya Gendis, which is easily accessible and provides about diabetes and obesity so that it can help people in making health decisions based on information," he said.

In addition, in Diabetes Obesity Summit, his party also gathers experts and stakeholders to overcome the challenges of the health industry, and through the Truth About Weight website, Novo Nordisk offers useful information and features.

In the future, our study related to the burden of obesity will provide recommendations that can be implemented in health care policies and strategies for the prevention and management of obesity. Presenting scientific information related to obesity is one of our efforts in educating the public about obesity. We understand that obesity requires more attention. In the future, we want to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, health workers and various other organizations as concrete steps in developing obese treatments," concluded Riyanny.