UNAIR NEWS – Junk food is often considered a factor of obesity in the human body. It causes many people to think that reducing the consumption of junk food is enough to overcome obesity.
UNAIR Internal Medicine specialist , Dr. Hermina Novida, dr., Sp.PD, KEMD, said that several things affect a person’s weight. First, the calories intake is a lot more than the calories burnt.
“It causes accumulating calories, which then turn into fat and lead to obesity,” she said. Second, obesity can be caused by other conditions that are not related to food intake.
UNAIR Internal Medicine Specialist , Dr. Hermina Novida, dr., Sp.PD, KEMD. (Photo: Personal Document)
Junk food, which is often perceived the same as fast food, is different. Fast food is food that is prepared to be consumed immediately, so not all fast food is junk food. On the other hand, junk food is a food rich in sugar, salt, calories, saturated fat and has minimal nutritional content.
If you consume too much of this type of food, it will cause a buildup of sugar, salt, and fat that triggers weight gain or obesity. “So junk food can indeed be one of the causes of obesity. However, it is necessary to pay attention to other causes apart from food intake,” said Dr. Hermina.
According to the doctor and lecturer of Faculty of Medicine UNAIR, excessive intake of junk food can be the cause of obesity, but not all obesity is caused by food intake.
“The state of hypothyroidism, adrenal hormone disorders, or other conditions can also cause obesity,” she explained.
In her opinion, reducing calories intake and increasing physical activity are keys to losing weight. “If you are obese, you should lower your calories intake by 500-1000 calories from your normal intake,” she said.
Furthermore, the nutritional content in food must also be considered. For example, simple carbohydrates with lots of sugar should be replaced by vegetables and complex carbohydrates containing lots of fiber. Consuming water, avoiding sugary drinks, and increasing physical activity are also behaviors that promote weight loss.
“The recommendation, for obesity, it is better to exercise for 30-45 minutes per day, five days per week with moderate intensity. However, if obese patients want to lose more weight, it can be increased to 45-60 minutes per day, for 5-6 days per week,” she explained.
Before undertaking a weight loss program, patients should consult first to determine other conditions that underlie obesity and certain restrictions on physical activity and diet. (*)
Author: Stefanny Elly
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
