ObjectiveTo conduct a secondary data analysis detailing overweight prevalence and associations between key hypothesised determinants and overweight.DesignThis observational study used publicly available data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) (1993–2014). The IFLS is a home-based survey of adults and children that collected data on household characteristics (size, physical infrastructure, assets, food expenditures), as well as on individual-level educational attainment, occupation type, smoking status and marital status. These analyses used data on the self-reported consumption of ultra-processed foods and physical activity. Anthropometrics were measured.SettingIndonesia.Primary outcome measuresWe described the distribution of overweight by gender among adults (body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2) and by age among children, over time. Overweight was defined as weight-for-height z-score >2 among children aged 0–5 years and as BMI-for-age z-score >1 among children aged 6–18 years. We also described individuals who were overweight by selected characteristics over time. Finally, we employed multivariable logistic regression models to investigate risk factors in relation to overweight in 2014.ResultsOne-third of adults were overweight in 2014. Between 1993 and 2014, the prevalence of overweight among adults doubled from 17.1% to 33.0%. The prevalence of overweight among children under 5 years increased from 4.2% to 9.4% between 1993 and 2007, but then remained relatively stagnant between 2007 and 2014. Among children aged 6–12 years and 13–18 years, the prevalence of overweight increased from 5.1% to 15.6% and from 7.1% to 14.1% between 1993 and 2014, respectively. Although overweight prevalence remains higher in urban areas, the increase in overweight prevalence was larger among rural (vs urban) residents, and by 2014, the proportions of overweight adults were evenly distributed in each wealth quintile. Data suggest that the consumption of ultra-processed foods was common and levels of physical activity have decreased over the last decade. In multivariable models, urban area residence, higher wealth, higher education and consumption of ultra-processed foods were associated with higher odds of overweight among most adults and children.ConclusionUrgent programme and policy action is needed to reduce and prevent overweight among all ages.

Objectives As an emerging middle-income country, Indonesia is grappling with the double burden of malnutrition across all age groups, including adolescents. Slow gains in reducing undernutrition are compounded by rapidly increasing overnutrition. This study aims to determine the patterns and determinants of this double burden, particularly stunting, thinness and overweight, among adolescent girls and boys aged 12–18 years in Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,160 girls and boys in the districts of Klaten and Lombok Barat in 2017. Data were collected on adolescents’ nutritional status, sociodemographic characteristics, morbidity, dietary intake and physical activity and other relevant factors. Multivariable logistic regression models using generalized estimation equation were employed to determine risk factors for stunting, thinness and overweight. Results About a quarter of adolescent girls (25%) and boys (21%) were stunted. Approximately 5% of girls and 11% of boys were thin, whereas 11% girls and boys each were overweight. Living in a higher wealth household (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.91), compared to a lower wealth household, and living in a district with higher socioeconomic status (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.51–0.79) were associated with lower odds of being stunted. Adolescent education was also protective against stunting (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.33–0.88). Older adolescents aged 15–18 years were more likely to be stunted (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.42–2.46). Being a girl was associated with reduced odds of being thin (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.30–0.58). Higher household wealth (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.27–2.97) predicted being overweight, while maternal primary or some secondary education, compared to no or incomplete primary education, was protective against adolescent overweight (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.40–0.90). Conclusion Indonesian adolescent girls and boys face both extreme spectrums of malnutrition. Addressing the dual burden of malnutrition requires a multi-pronged approach, and urgent shift is warranted in nutrition policy and programmes targeting adolescents to effectively address the associated underlying determinants.

Background: The school canteen has a massive impact on the dietary intake and nutritional status of school-age children and adolescents. This study aimed at assessing the current situation of school canteens in selected areas in Indonesia and relevant knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of school-going children and adolescents. Methods: A qualitative study was implemented in a purposive sample of 18 schools in Klaten and West Lombok districts with 2 comparison schools in Jakarta and Klaten. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with a wide range of stakeholders to collect information on nutrition knowledge, food preferences, related policies and governance, and opinions toward school canteens. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis and narrative analysis. Results: Specific government guidelines on healthy foods and beverages to be sold in canteens are not yet in place. Many canteens had inadequate infrastructure and were managed informally, with limited rules, monitoring, and supervision. Although healthy options including vegetables and fruits were available in most canteens, unhealthy foods and beverages were abundant and cheap. Lack of awareness of the importance of nutrition of school-age children and adolescents was pervasive among all stakeholders. Personal preference and availability were main drivers of the students’ food choices. Conclusions: Concerted multisectoral and multistakeholders’ efforts are warranted to improve the quality of school canteens in Indonesia by developing a comprehensive relevant guideline, improving the capacity of related stakeholders and service providers, enhancing the implementation and monitoring, and generating demand for healthy canteens.

Objective To conduct a secondary data analysis detailing the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and nutrition-related chronic disease. Methods These analyses utilized 2014 data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey, a home-based survey that collected socioeconomic, dietary intake, physical activity, and biological data among adults. We explored four outcomes in relation to sociodemographic and behavioral determinants: 1) hypertension, 2) elevated high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and 3) central obesity, as these are critical metabolic determinants in the progression to cardiovascular disease, and 4) type 2 diabetes. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90mm or current use of antihypertensive medication. Elevated hs-CRP was defined as hs-CRP >3 mg/dL. Central obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥ 90 cm if male and waist circumference ≥ 80 cm if female, which are specific to South Asia. Type 2 diabetes was defined as glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5%. We employed separate gender-stratified multivariate logistic regression models to test the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral determinants and each nutrition-related chronic disease outcome. All analyses employed sampling weights, which account for the survey design. Results In 2014, about 30% of adults were hypertensive and one-fifth had elevated hs-CRP. Approximately 70% of women had central obesity and 11.6% of women and 8.9% of men had diabetes. Older-age was consistently associated with nutrition-related chronic disease and being overweight was associated with hypertension, elevated hs-CRP, and type 2 diabetes. Regularly consuming instant noodles (women) and soda (men) were associated with elevated hs-CRP and soda consumption was associated with central obesity among men. Conclusions Large segments of the adult population in Indonesia now have or are at risk for non-communicable disease. Our analyses provide preliminary empirical evidence that interventions that target healthful food intake (e.g. reduce the intake of ultra-processed foods) should be considered and that the reduction of overweight is critical for preventing chronic diseases in Indonesia.

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