Prevent Obesity: Health Ministry Urges Public to Carefully Read Nutrition Labels and Stay Active

Efforts to prevent obesity can begin with simple habits, such as routinely reading nutrition labels on food packaging and engaging in physical activity every day. This is urgently needed given data from the Ministry of Health showing that 28.7% of Indonesians still consume sugar, salt, and fat (GGL) exceeding recommended limits. Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M.Epid., Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, explained that excess intake often occurs unknowingly. The public generally rarely calculates total daily consumption, especially from packaged foods and drinks. “We need to get into the habit of reading labels. They contain information on nutritional values per serving, including sugar, salt, and fat content,” said Nadia, quoted on Thursday (26/3). Nadia reminded that the maximum daily consumption limits for adults are: In addition to paying attention to the numbers in the nutrition facts table, consumers can also look for the Healthier Choice logo on packaging. This logo indicates that the product meets government criteria for GGL content limits, making it easier for the public to choose healthier options. However, regulating diet alone is not enough. Nadia stressed the importance of maintaining energy balance through physical activity. On the occasion of World Obesity Day 2026, she recommended light steps such as walking more often or using stairs. “Obesity does not occur in a short time. It is the result of long-term diet and lifestyle patterns. Therefore, consistent small changes will be more effective,” she stated. The Ministry of Health shares simple ways to prevent obesity through habits of reading nutrition labels and routine physical activity to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Reading nutrition labels on food and drink packaging is an important step to control daily sugar intake.