Disparities in Obesity Rates among Adults: Analysis of 514 Districts in Indonesia

Globally, it was estimated that over 650 million adults 18 years old and older were obese in 2016. It is an increasing global health challenge with a significant health and economic impact. Thus, understanding geographic and socioeconomic disparities in obesity among adults is crucial.

We combined geospatial and quantitative analyses to assess the disparity in obesity across 514 districts in Indonesia. We used the Basic Health Survey (Riskesdas) 2018 for obesity data and the World Bank database for socioeconomic data. Dependent variables included obesity prevalence among all adults (18+ years), males, females, young adults (18-24 years), adults (25-59 years), and older adults (60+ years).

We found significant geographic and socioeconomic disparities in adult obesity in Indonesia. In terms of region, districts in Java and Bali had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity than those in Papua, Maluku, and Nusa Tenggara. Districts in Java had 29%, 32%, 60%, and 28% higher prevalence of obesity among all adults, female adults, young adults, and adults. By income, compared to the poorest ones, most affluent districts had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity; they had a 36%, 39%, 34%, 42%, 33%, and 73% higher prevalence of obesity among all adults, males, females, young adults, adults, and older adults. Similarly, by education, compared to the least educated ones, the most educated districts had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity; they had a 34%, 42%, 29%, 36%, and 80% higher prevalence of obesity among all adults, males, females, adults, and older adults.

There are significant disparities in adult obesity among 514 districts in Indonesia. Efforts by policymakers and stakeholders are needed to reduce obesity among adults, especially within districts with high prevalence.