Saturday, September 27, 2025 — Nutrition for the Nation (GUB) returned for its fourteenth edition, organized by the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia. As an annual event, GUB XIV carried the theme “Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Indonesia: Current Trends, Regulatory Prevention Strategies, and Lifestyle Modifications,” featuring distinguished experts to discuss critical nutrition issues in society. The event included a webinar and a symposium to disseminate research findings from undergraduate and master’s graduates of FPH UI Nutrition Programs, held virtually via Zoom Meeting.
“The topic raised is highly relevant, crucial, and vital to discuss together. The prevalence of obesity has reached 23% among adults, while metabolic syndrome stands at around 25–30% in Indonesia. This reminds us that the issue is no longer solely a burden for healthcare professionals but a shared social responsibility. Continuous discussion of this issue is essential to prevent stigma and to develop solutions for the community,” said Dr. Fathimah Sulistyowati Sigit, M.Res., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Nutrition, FPH UI, in her opening remarks.
Dr. Ir. Asih Setiarini, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs of FPH UI, expressed her full support for the event. “GUB has become an important platform for discussing nutrition as a public health issue. This event brings together experts in their fields. We highly appreciate the successful organization of both the webinar and symposium. It is expected that GUB will generate evidence-based recommendations and regulatory steps that can be implemented to address nutrition problems collectively. Hopefully, this event will bring benefits to us and contribute to public health,” said Dr. Asih.
The keynote speaker of GUB XIV was Dr. dr. Syahidatul Wafa, Sp.PD, FINASIM, Internal Medicine Specialist at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital (RSCM). In her presentation, she explained that Indonesia already has a National Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Adult Obesity (PNPK), issued under the decree of the Indonesian Minister of Health. The guideline serves as a reference for medical and health professionals in managing obesity across healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and professional organizations. She also presented the Stepwise Management of Obesity, which includes: Assessment and Patient-Centered Discussion, Lifestyle and Behavioral Modifications, Pharmacotherapy, Bariatric Procedures, and Continuous Follow-Up and Self-Efficacy.
“Although the national guideline has been issued, obesity management in Indonesia still faces many challenges, including low public awareness, the popularity of ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and unequal access to healthcare, education, and medication. Therefore, it is essential to implement strong regulations to support and protect comprehensive public health programs,” concluded Dr. Syahidatul Wafa.
The first panelist, Yudhi Adrianto, S.Gz., S.E., M.K.M., AIFO, highlighted that the obesity epidemic is a complex issue driven by urbanization, dietary shifts, and lifestyle changes. These factors have caused significant health and economic burdens, requiring stronger health promotion and policy campaigns.
“Obesity is not merely the result of excessive nutrient intake but can also coexist with essential nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, collaboration between nutrition professionals and the use of supplementation are crucial to address these deficiencies. Promoting healthy eating alone is not enough—it must be coupled with a professional and comprehensive approach,” said Yudhi Adrianto.
The second panelist, Dr. Mury Kuswari, S.Pd., M.Si., Head of the Nutrition Study Program at Esa Unggul University, emphasized that a healthy lifestyle is a habit, not a condition. “A healthy lifestyle can begin with simple habits that bring meaningful impact—such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient rest,” she said.
She also noted that increasing physical activity is essential to create a calorie deficit—such as walking or jogging in the morning, afternoon, or evening—and that increasing muscle mass improves glucose absorption and energy storage efficiency.
Through the implementation of Nutrition for the Nation XIV, FPH UI reaffirms its role as a leading center for academic inquiry and policy advocacy in public health nutrition. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and evidence-based discussions, the event reflects FPH UI’s ongoing commitment to addressing national and global nutrition challenges. Moving forward, FPH UI remains dedicated to promoting discussions, research, and innovations that support preventive, regulatory, and promotive strategies for improving public health in Indonesia. (ITM)