Obesity Is Not Solely Influenced by Overeating and a Lack of Exercise

Jakarta — Clinical nutrition specialist Dr. Diana Suganda, Sp.GK, M.Kes, said that obesity is a chronic, complex disease, not merely influenced by overeating and a lack of exercise. “But it turns out obesity is very complex, not just an intake/output issue. There are many multifactorial factors,” Diana said during a health discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday. The doctor, who completed her clinical nutrition specialist training at the University of Indonesia, explained that multifactorial factors affecting obesity include hormones. In the body there are certain hormones that regulate appetite, satiety, and hunger. However, in some individuals this system does not function properly; for example, someone has eaten to fullness but still feels hungry. “That means there are signals in our bodies that aren't right; it's not just a matter of us controlling eating and movement. There are many factors that hinder, causing people to lose weight, adjust eating, exercise, but weight can come back,” she said. Diana also noted that research has identified memory cells in the body that play a role in the process of weight regain. Hormonal changes and gastric capacity also influence hunger and the desire to eat. “Thata lot of things I often encounter in practice; they have lost weight but then it goes up again. The hormonal issues are what cause the previous error,” she added. Furthermore, Diana emphasised the importance of mindful eating to prevent excessive weight gain. “The importance of mindful eating is that even during Lebaran or Christmas you can eat, but know your portions. Because knowing portions, knowing what you need, is enough, you won’t eat too much,” she said.