Childhood Obesity Increases, Unusa-UNICEF Holds Healthy Lifestyle Campaign

The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Nahdlatul Ulama University of Surabaya (Unusa) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) collaborated to hold a public campaign to raise awareness of childhood and adolescent obesity in Indonesia in the yard of Unusa Tower Campus B, Surabaya. 

Surabaya is part of the strategy towards a healthy and productive Golden Generation 2045, the campaign entitled "Be Healthy, Be Happy - Let's Help Everyone Stay That Way" which was attended by hundreds of high school students from Surabaya and Sidoarjo. Wednesday, (30/4) 

The Head of LPPM Unusa, Achmad Syafiuddin, S Si, M Phil, Ph D, explained that UNICEF and LPPM Unusa recommend a multi-aspect approach, obesity prevention cannot be resolved if not carried out through a multi-aspect approach, such as an active lifestyle by increasing regular physical activity, reducing time in front of the screen, and encouraging outdoor activities for children is very necessary. 

"Children are rarely exposed to outdoor play activities, they are used to being comfortable with indoor activities that tend to be minimal movement, therefore through these approaches in 2045, we will witness a generation that is ready to become a developed country with good nutritional status and high nutritional literacy," he said. 

Syafiuddin continued by expressing that through the Unusa and UNICEF Indonesia campaign, they are calling for the importance of collaboration as a strategic step in overcoming the problem of obesity. "Hopefully the activity can increase awareness of the importance of early obesity prevention, provide support to the younger generation who want to change to a healthier lifestyle, and inspire the younger generation to continue to implement a healthy and happy lifestyle," explained Syafiuddin. 

Health Analyst for the Public Nutrition Health Section (KGM) in the Public Health Sector, East Java Provincial Health Office, Budi Indrawati, S KM, M M, said that one of the main obstacles in efforts to prevent and control obesity is the low public understanding that obesity is included in the category of disease. "Many people think that obesity is only a matter of appearance, when in fact it is a medical condition that can trigger various chronic diseases," he said. 

He added that increasing education, awareness, and public concern is very important, especially through early detection, Budi added, early detection is very important to maintain body health and prevent non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Meanwhile, Unicef ??Nutrition Officer, dr. Karina Widowati, presented the latest data showing an alarming increasing trend referring to the finding that the prevalence of obesity in toddlers has reversed since 2023. "Research shows that obesity in children aged 5-12 years has increased from 11% (2013) to 12% (2023). A more significant increase occurred in the age groups 13-15 years and 16-18 years," said Karina. 

Karina added that the journey was not easy, although the prevalence of stunting was successfully reduced from 28% (2019) to 21% (2023), the problem of obesity actually increased. This situation reflects the complexity of the nutritional challenges faced by this country, where malnutrition and excess nutrition are present simultaneously. 

Tag: Achmad Syafiuddin LPPM Nahdlatul Ulama UNICEF Unusa