Adolescent Health in Indonesia: 1 in 4 Suffers Stunting, 1 in 7 Obese

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Health Ministry’s Director of Public Health Nutrition, Dhian Proboyekti Dipo, stated that the youth stage was a second opportunity to improve the quality of future generations, after the toddler stage.

“The nutritional adequacy in adolescents brings vital implications to the nation’s ability to achieve long-term development targets,” said Dhian in a talk show and launching event of school-based nutrition promotion on Thursday, September 3.

Dhian mentioned that one in four teenagers suffered stunting and one in seven teenagers was obese. According to her, stunted growth is generally caused by poor nutrition management during toddlerhood.

Meanwhile, overweight in the youth stage stemmed from multiple factors. Among them the excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat. The 2016 individual food consumption survey revealed that sugar consumption rose by more than 50 grams per person per day, sodium intake up by 2,000 milligrams, and fat intake jumped by 26.5 percent. 

The 2013 and 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) reported a decrease in vegetables and fruit consumption in the public. In 2013, 93.3 percent of Indonesians consumed fewer vegetables and fruits, and that figure leapt to 95.5 percent five years later.

“This shows that our lifestyle poses risks to our health,” she added, saying that stunting and obesity during the teenage stage could not be blamed on youths. “Do know the nutritional needs of teenagers so that it is sufficient for their growth.”

Dhian said that all elements, including parents, teachers, school canteen managers, and community figures, must possess proper education about the nutritional needs of adolescents.

Read: Terawan: Stunting Eradication Remains Priority Program Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

RINI KUSTIANI