Obesogenic Environments: A New Public Health Challenge in Indonesia

2026-08-29

Currently, Indonesia is facing a serious health challenge related to rising obesity rates. Health experts state that one of the main causes of this problem is the presence of an 'obesogenic environment.' This term refers to the environmental conditions around us that encourage an unhealthy lifestyle and trigger excessive weight gain.

An obesogenic environment can be seen in the easy access to fast food that is high in calories, sugar, and fat. Furthermore, the lack of available green open spaces or adequate sports facilities in residential areas makes it difficult for people to engage in regular physical activity. This makes healthy lifestyle choices harder for the public to implement in their daily lives.

Dependence on motorized vehicles for short distances is also a contributing factor to this environment. Many people prefer to use private transportation rather than walking or cycling. As a result, the level of daily physical activity among the public tends to be low, which directly contributes to the risk of obesity and various non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

To address this issue, individual lifestyle changes alone are not enough. Support from various parties, including the government and urban developers, is needed to create a more health-friendly environment. Providing access to affordable healthy food and building infrastructure that supports physical activity are important steps that must be taken immediately.

In conclusion, creating an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle is the key to reducing obesity rates in Indonesia. By changing urban planning and providing adequate facilities, it is hoped that the public can more easily choose a better way of life for long-term health.