Many people think obesity is solely related to appearance or body shape. However, obesity is now recognized as a distinct chronic disease that can increase the risk of various serious illnesses and affect a person's quality of life.
Being overweight doesn't necessarily mean someone is obese. However, if fat buildup in the body is excessive, this condition requires attention because it can impact long-term health.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a condition where the amount of body fat is excessive, causing health problems. This condition is usually influenced by a combination of factors, such as diet, physical activity, sleep quality, stress, genetics, and certain medical conditions.
Because the causes are diverse, obesity treatment cannot be the same for everyone.
Breaking News: Obesity is Now Viewed as a Disease, Not Just a Risk Factor
In early 2025, an international expert commission (the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission) updated the way obesity is viewed. Previously, obesity was considered merely a "risk factor" for other diseases. Now, when excess body fat significantly impairs organ function or the ability to perform daily activities, this condition is called "clinical obesity" and is considered a distinct disease that requires treatment, just like other chronic diseases.
Meanwhile, someone with excess body fat but whose organs are not yet affected is said to be in the stage of "preclinical obesity" — still needs to be watched and monitored, because the risk can progress if not managed.
This update is also in line with the National Guidelines for Clinical Services for the Management of Adult Obesity published by the Indonesian Ministry of Health in May 2025, which is now the official reference for doctors in Indonesia in diagnosing and treating obesity.
Why Should We Be Aware of Obesity?
Excess body fat isn't just stored under the skin, it can also accumulate around vital organs. This can impair bodily functions and increase the risk of various chronic diseases.
Some diseases that occur more frequently in obese people include:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- High cholesterol.
- Heart disease and stroke.
- Fatty liver.
- Sleep apnea or breathing disorders during sleep.
- Osteoarthritis results from excessive stress on the joints, especially the knees and hips.
- The risk of several types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer, which studies have shown is also increased in obesity.
The longer obesity is left untreated, the greater the risk of health complications.
Recognize the Signs of Obesity
In addition to looking at the numbers on the scale, medical professionals now assess obesity using two main, simple measures that can be checked at home:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or more — according to the Asia Pacific standard applicable in Indonesia, this threshold is lower than the world standard (30 kg/m²), because Asians are more at risk of metabolic disorders at a lower BMI.
- A waist circumference of more than 90 cm in men or more than 80 cm in women — indicates that fat has accumulated in the abdominal area (central obesity), which carries a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes than fat in other areas.
Other signs to pay attention to:
- Easily tired during activities.
- Quickly short of breath when walking or climbing stairs.
- Snoring while sleeping.
- Difficulty doing physical activities that previously felt easy.
One thing that's not widely known: someone who is overweight can also experience silent muscle loss , especially if they don't move enough. This condition is called sarcopenic obesity and is just as risky, as the body becomes weak and stores excess fat. This condition is more common in older adults, but it can affect anyone who doesn't engage in physical activity.
A medical examination is still necessary to determine whether your condition is obesity and to determine the risks of diseases that may accompany it.
Can Obesity Be Treated?
The good news is, obesity can be managed with proper treatment.
The first step usually starts with lifestyle changes, such as:
- Arrange a balanced diet according to the body's needs.
- Increase physical activity regularly.
- Get enough quality sleep.
- Manage stress well.
A realistic, scientifically supported weight loss target is 5–10% of initial body weight in the first 6 months , at a safe rate of around 0.5–1 kg per week. This amount of weight loss alone is significant enough to improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
In certain circumstances, a doctor may recommend additional therapy. Medical treatment options for obesity are now increasingly diverse, ranging from oral medications and the latest generation of weight-loss injections that work to suppress appetite, to procedures such as gastric balloon implantation or bariatric surgery for certain cases with a high BMI. All of these options are provided according to medical indications and must be under a doctor's supervision.
Don't Just Go on a Diet
Many people choose to go on strict diets to lose weight quickly. Unfortunately, these methods are often short-lived and can actually lead to weight gain.
A good weight loss program is one that's tailored to your health, daily habits, and realistic goals. The goal isn't just to lower the number on the scale, but also to improve your overall health and maintain the results long-term.
When Should You Consult a Clinical Nutrition Specialist?
You should consult if:
- BMI has reached 25 kg/m² or more, or 23 kg/m² or more accompanied by diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
- The abdominal circumference has exceeded 90 cm (men) or 80 cm (women).
- Weight continues to increase even though I have tried to regulate my diet.
- It's hard to lose weight even though you're dieting and exercising.
- Have a history of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
- Want to lose weight in a safe way and according to your health condition.
A clinical nutrition specialist will help you evaluate your overall body condition, calculate your nutritional needs, and develop a weight loss program that is safe, effective, and easy to implement in your daily life.
Conclusion
Obesity is not just a matter of appearance, but a chronic disease that can increase the risk of various serious illnesses if left untreated. Recent guidelines now recognize obesity as a distinct disease requiring long-term, ongoing management, not just a temporary diet program. The earlier obesity is recognized and treated, the greater the chance of preventing future complications.
If you feel like your weight is becoming difficult to control or your waistline is continuing to increase, don't hesitate to consult a clinical nutrition specialist. With the right guidance, weight loss can be gradual, safe, and provide real benefits to your overall health.
The article was written by Dr. Yuliyana Kusaeri, M.Gizi, Sp.GK (Clinical Nutrition Specialist at EMC Cibitung & Pekayon Hospital).
Compiled with reference to the National Guidelines for Clinical Services for the Management of Adult Obesity, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (2025) and the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission on Clinical Obesity (2025).