Researchers studied nearly 3,000 Indonesian teenagers and young adults to understand a health condition called metabolic syndrome—a group of problems like high blood pressure, extra belly fat, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. They found that about 1 in 7 young people in Indonesia have this condition. The biggest culprits? Eating unhealthy foods too often and being overweight. The study suggests that teaching young people about healthy eating and maintaining a healthy weight could help prevent this serious health problem before it causes bigger issues later in life.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How common is metabolic syndrome (a cluster of health problems) in Indonesian teenagers and young adults, and what causes it?
  • Who participated: 2,992 teenagers and young adults aged 16-24 from across Indonesia, selected from a national health survey covering 38 provinces
  • Key finding: About 13 out of every 100 young Indonesians have metabolic syndrome. Being obese makes someone 15 times more likely to have it, and eating unhealthy foods frequently makes someone almost 10 times more likely to have it.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a young person in Indonesia, paying attention to your weight and food choices now could prevent serious health problems later. However, this study shows connection, not proof that one thing causes the other, so talk to a doctor for personalized advice.

The Research Details

Researchers used information from Indonesia’s national health survey in 2023, which collected data from people across all 38 provinces. They looked at a snapshot in time (called a cross-sectional study) rather than following people over months or years. They selected 2,992 young people aged 16-24 who had complete information about their health measurements, eating habits, and weight. The researchers used special statistical tools to figure out which factors were most strongly connected to metabolic syndrome.

This type of study is useful for finding out how common a health problem is and what factors are connected to it. Because the researchers studied a large, representative group from across the entire country, their findings likely reflect what’s happening with young Indonesians in general. This helps doctors and public health officials understand where to focus prevention efforts.

The study’s strengths include a large sample size, data from across the entire country, and use of a national health survey (which tends to be well-conducted). The main limitation is that it shows connections between factors and metabolic syndrome, but cannot prove that one causes the other. The study was conducted at one point in time, so we don’t know if these patterns continue over time.

What the Results Show

The study found that metabolic syndrome affects about 13.36% of Indonesian adolescents and young adults—roughly 1 in 7 people in this age group. This is a significant finding because metabolic syndrome is usually thought of as a problem for older adults, not young people. Two factors stood out as especially important: obesity and unhealthy eating habits. Young people who were obese were about 15 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome compared to those with healthy weights. Young people who frequently ate unhealthy foods (high in salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats) were almost 10 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome. These connections remained strong even after researchers accounted for other factors that might affect the results.

The study identified that high-risk consumption behaviors—meaning regularly eating foods that are bad for your health—is a major problem in this age group. The fact that obesity is such a strong factor suggests that weight management is critical for preventing metabolic syndrome in young people. The researchers noted that these risk factors are modifiable, meaning young people can actually change them through lifestyle choices.

Previous research in other countries has also found that obesity and poor diet are connected to metabolic syndrome in young people. This Indonesian study confirms that these patterns are not unique to Indonesia but appear to be a global concern. However, the specific percentage (13.36%) may be different from other countries depending on their populations and how they measure metabolic syndrome.

This study shows that certain factors are connected to metabolic syndrome, but it cannot prove that unhealthy eating or obesity directly causes it—only that they go together. The study was conducted at one specific time, so we don’t know if these patterns stay the same over years. The study only included people aged 16-24, so results may not apply to younger teenagers or older adults. Some people may not have reported their eating habits accurately, which could affect the results.

The Bottom Line

Young people in Indonesia should focus on maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular physical activity (moderate confidence based on this study). Reducing consumption of unhealthy foods—those high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats—appears important (moderate confidence). Healthcare providers should screen young people for metabolic syndrome and educate them about prevention (moderate confidence). These recommendations are based on this study’s findings but should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

This research matters most for teenagers and young adults in Indonesia, their parents, and healthcare providers working with this age group. It’s also relevant for public health officials planning prevention programs. If you’re outside Indonesia, similar patterns may apply in your country, but talk to your doctor about what’s relevant for you. Young people with family histories of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should pay special attention.

Changes in eating habits and weight can take weeks to months to show up in blood tests that measure metabolic syndrome. Most people won’t see dramatic improvements overnight, but consistent healthy choices over 3-6 months can lead to measurable improvements in the markers that make up metabolic syndrome.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily food intake, focusing on counting servings of unhealthy foods (sugary drinks, fried foods, processed snacks) and healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains). Set a goal to reduce high-risk foods to fewer than 3 times per week.
  • Use the app to log meals and get real-time feedback on whether choices are healthy or high-risk. Set reminders to drink water instead of sugary drinks and to choose one healthy snack daily. Track weight weekly (same day, same time) to monitor progress toward a healthy BMI.
  • Create a dashboard showing weekly trends in food choices and weight. Set monthly check-in reminders to review progress and adjust goals. Share data with a healthcare provider every 3 months to monitor for metabolic syndrome markers through blood tests.

This research shows connections between certain lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome in young Indonesians, but it does not prove cause-and-effect relationships. The findings are based on a single point-in-time survey and may not apply to all individuals. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. If you’re concerned about metabolic syndrome or your health, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual situation, perform appropriate tests, and provide personalized recommendations. Young people with family histories of metabolic syndrome, heart disease, or diabetes should discuss screening and prevention strategies with their doctor.