Increase awareness of a healthy lifestyle

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The Relationship of Lifestyle with the Incidence of Obesity in Millennial Era Adolescents in the City of Medan

Introduction

Obesity is a growing global health concern that affects not only developed countries but also developing nations. In Indonesia, particularly in the city of Medan, the prevalence of obesity among adolescents has been increasing. This phenomenon is closely linked to lifestyle changes, especially in the millennial era, characterized by excessive gadget use and a sedentary lifestyle. This study aims to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and obesity in millennial adolescents in Medan.

Background

Research has shown that lifestyle plays a significant role in the development of obesity. The millennial era is marked by a significant increase in the use of gadgets, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. This, combined with an unhealthy diet, can contribute to the risk of obesity. In Medan, the city's fast-paced lifestyle and easy access to fast food and high-carbohydrate foods have made it challenging for adolescents to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Methodology

This study was conducted in several State High Schools in Medan from October 2020 to completion. A total of 329 teenagers from class X and XI participated in the study. Data was collected through questionnaires, measurements, and observations. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and obesity in millennial adolescents.

Results

The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between lifestyle and obesity. The variables that contributed to the risk of obesity included:

Carbohydrate intake: The study revealed that carbohydrate intake was the most dominant variable that contributed to obesity. This can be associated with the trend of consumption of fast food and high-carbohydrate foods that are easily accessible to adolescents.
Social environment: The social environment also played an important role in triggering obesity. Teenagers who tend to spend time hanging out and are less physically active have a higher risk of obesity.
Energy intake: Energy intake, including carbohydrates, protein, and fat, also contributed to the risk of obesity.
Gadget use: The length of time spent playing gadgets was also found to be a significant factor in the risk of obesity.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing obesity among adolescents. The dominant role of carbohydrate intake in contributing to obesity is a concern, as it is easily accessible and often consumed in large quantities. The social environment also plays a significant role in triggering obesity, as teenagers who spend more time hanging out and are less physically active have a higher risk of obesity.

Prevention and Cross-Sectoral Roles

To prevent obesity among adolescents, it is essential to increase awareness of a healthy lifestyle and make early prevention efforts. Reducing the use of gadgets, maintaining a balanced diet by reducing the consumption of fast food and junk food, limiting the habit of hanging out, and increasing physical activity are important steps in preventing obesity. Cross-sectoral roles are also needed in efforts to prevent and handle obesity. Schools, families, and government need to work together to encourage teenagers to implement a healthy lifestyle.

Era Pandemi Covid-19: Challenges and Opportunities

In the Pandemic Covid-19 era, it is essential for adolescents to improve their body's immune system. A healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet and increasing physical activity, is a key in increasing the body's immunity and preventing various diseases, including obesity.

Conclusion

Lifestyle changes in the millennial era have become the main factors that encourage increased obesity in adolescents in the city of Medan. High carbohydrate intake and a social environment that lacks supporting physical activity are factors that need to be overcome. Early prevention efforts through education, increasing access to sports facilities, and the active role of cross sectors are very important to maintain health and prevent obesity in adolescents, especially in the Pandemic Covid-19 era.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase awareness of a healthy lifestyle: Adolescents need to be aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing obesity.
Reduce gadget use: Reducing the use of gadgets can help adolescents to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of obesity.
Maintain a balanced diet: A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to reduce the risk of obesity.
Increase physical activity: Increasing physical activity, such as sports and exercise, can help to reduce the risk of obesity.
Cross-sectoral roles: Schools, families, and government need to work together to encourage teenagers to implement a healthy lifestyle.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Data collection: The data was collected through questionnaires, measurements, and observations, which may be subject to bias.
Time frame: The study was conducted over a relatively short period, which may not capture the full range of lifestyle changes that contribute to obesity.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the relationship between lifestyle and obesity in a larger sample size: A larger sample size would provide more generalizable findings and increase the validity of the study.
Use more objective measures of lifestyle: Using more objective measures of lifestyle, such as accelerometers and GPS tracking, would provide more accurate data.
Investigate the impact of lifestyle changes on obesity: Investigating the impact of lifestyle changes on obesity would provide more insight into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between lifestyle and obesity.

References

[1] World Health Organization. (2018). Obesity and overweight.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Obesity.
[3] Ministry of Health of Indonesia. (2020). Obesity in Indonesia.
[4] [Study name]. (2020). The relationship between lifestyle and obesity in millennial adolescents in Medan.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Relationship between Lifestyle and Obesity in Millennial Era Adolescents in the City of Medan

Q: What is the main cause of obesity in millennial era adolescents in Medan?

A: The main cause of obesity in millennial era adolescents in Medan is the lifestyle changes that have occurred in this era. The excessive use of gadgets, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet have contributed to the increased risk of obesity among adolescents.

Q: What are the risk factors for obesity in millennial era adolescents in Medan?

A: The risk factors for obesity in millennial era adolescents in Medan include:

High carbohydrate intake
Social environment that lacks supporting physical activity
Energy intake, including carbohydrates, protein, and fat
Gadget use
Sedentary lifestyle

Q: How can adolescents prevent obesity in Medan?

A: Adolescents can prevent obesity in Medan by:

Reducing the use of gadgets
Maintaining a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Increasing physical activity, such as sports and exercise
Limiting the habit of hanging out and spending time with friends
Increasing awareness of a healthy lifestyle

Q: What is the role of cross-sectoral roles in preventing obesity in millennial era adolescents in Medan?

A: Cross-sectoral roles, including schools, families, and government, play a crucial role in preventing obesity in millennial era adolescents in Medan. They need to work together to encourage teenagers to implement a healthy lifestyle and provide support and resources to help them achieve this goal.

Q: How can parents and caregivers support adolescents in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

A: Parents and caregivers can support adolescents in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by:

Encouraging physical activity and sports
Providing a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Limiting the use of gadgets and screen time
Encouraging social interaction and spending time with friends
Providing education and resources on healthy lifestyle choices

Q: What are the long-term consequences of obesity in millennial era adolescents in Medan?

A: The long-term consequences of obesity in millennial era adolescents in Medan include:

Increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease
Decreased quality of life
Reduced life expectancy
Increased risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety

Q: How can adolescents in Medan improve their body's immune system during the Pandemic Covid-19 era?

A: Adolescents in Medan can improve their body's immune system during the Pandemic Covid-19 era by:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity
Getting enough sleep and practicing good sleep hygiene
Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water
Reducing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing
Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and following public health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

Q: What are the key takeaways from this study?

A: The key takeaways from this study are:

Lifestyle changes in the millennial era have become the main factors that encourage increased obesity in adolescents in Medan.
High carbohydrate intake and a social environment that lacks supporting physical activity are factors that need to be overcome.
Early prevention efforts through education, increasing access to sports facilities, and the active role of cross sectors are very important to maintain health and prevent obesity in adolescents, especially in the Pandemic Covid-19 era.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy in Medan?

A: The implications of this study for public health policy in Medan are:

The need for increased awareness and education on healthy lifestyle choices among adolescents.
The need for increased access to sports facilities and physical activity opportunities.
The need for cross-sectoral roles, including schools, families, and government, to work together to prevent obesity in adolescents.
The need for public health policies that promote healthy lifestyle choices and prevent obesity in adolescents.