The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Obesity in Adolescents in SMP Dharma Pancasila Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 106 views

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Obesity in Adolescents in SMP Dharma Pancasila Medan

Introduction

Obesity is a growing concern worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages, including adolescents. The condition is characterized by excess fat tissue buildup, which can lead to various health problems. The main cause of obesity is the imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This imbalance is often caused by increased consumption of high-calorie foods and lack of physical activity. In this context, this study aims to identify the relationship between physical activity and the incidence of obesity in adolescents in SMP Dharma Pancasila, Medan.

Background

Obesity is a complex issue that affects not only individuals but also their families and communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 39% of adults worldwide are overweight, and more than 13% are obese. In Indonesia, the prevalence of obesity among adolescents is also increasing, with a study conducted in 2019 showing that over 20% of adolescents in urban areas were obese. The main cause of obesity is the imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, which is often caused by increased consumption of high-calorie foods and lack of physical activity.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive correlational design and involves 114 students as a sample, which is taken through successive sampling techniques. Data is collected by measuring height and weight to calculate the Body Mass Index (IMT), as well as using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) questionnaire to determine the physical activity level of students. The PAQ-A questionnaire is a widely used tool to assess physical activity levels in adolescents, and it has been validated in various studies.

Results

The results showed that of 114 respondents, 34 students (29.80%) were obese, while 80 students (70.20%) did not obese. From the group of students who experienced obesity, the majority (24 respondents or 70.60%) carried out mild physical activity. On the other hand, from groups of students who did not experience obesity, most (62 respondents or 77.50%) carried out moderate physical activity. The Chi-Square analysis test shows the value of P = 0,000, which indicates a significant relationship between physical activity and the incidence of obesity in adolescents in SMP Dharma Pancasila.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that low physical activity contributes to increasing the risk of obesity among adolescents. Lack of physical activity is closely related to modern lifestyles that tend to rely more on technology and reduce physical activity. This phenomenon needs to be a major concern, especially among adolescents who are in the period of growth and development. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of physical activity in preventing obesity among adolescents. The results of this study suggest that low physical activity contributes to increasing the risk of obesity among adolescents. Therefore, it is essential for adolescents to increase their physical activity regularly. Doing regular exercise, such as playing football, cycling, or attending a fitness class, can be a pleasant and effective choice to keep your weight healthy. In addition, reducing the consumption of high-calorie foods and increasing the intake of vegetables and fruit can help create a healthy lifestyle.

Recommendations

By knowing the relationship between physical activity and obesity, it is expected that adolescents can be more aware of the importance of maintaining a balance between food intake and physical activity. This step will not only help them avoid obesity, but will also support the long-term health and better quality of life. Therefore, it is highly recommended that schools and parents support children in creating healthy living habits through sports programs and physical activities that are interesting and fun.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, and the study only focuses on adolescents in SMP Dharma Pancasila, Medan. Secondly, the study only uses the PAQ-A questionnaire to assess physical activity levels, which may not be a comprehensive measure of physical activity. Finally, the study does not control for other factors that may influence the relationship between physical activity and obesity, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and a more comprehensive measure of physical activity. Additionally, future studies should investigate the relationship between physical activity and obesity in different populations, such as adults and children. Furthermore, future studies should explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing obesity among adolescents.

References

World Health Organization. (2018). Obesity and overweight.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Childhood Obesity Facts.
Indonesian Ministry of Health. (2019). Prevalence of Obesity among Adolescents in Indonesia.
Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). (2019). User's Manual.

Appendix

Table 1: Demographic characteristics of respondents
Table 2: Physical activity levels of respondents
Table 3: Chi-Square analysis test results
Figure 1: Distribution of physical activity levels among obese and non-obese respondents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Obesity in Adolescents

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

A: The main cause of obesity in adolescents is the imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This imbalance is often caused by increased consumption of high-calorie foods and lack of physical activity.

Q: What is the relationship between physical activity and obesity in adolescents?

A: The results of this study suggest that low physical activity contributes to increasing the risk of obesity among adolescents. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Q: How can adolescents increase their physical activity levels?

A: Adolescents can increase their physical activity levels by engaging in regular exercise, such as playing football, cycling, or attending a fitness class. They can also incorporate physical activity into their daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking to school.

Q: What are some effective ways to reduce obesity in adolescents?

A: Effective ways to reduce obesity in adolescents include:

Increasing physical activity levels
Reducing consumption of high-calorie foods
Increasing intake of vegetables and fruit
Encouraging healthy eating habits
Supporting adolescents in creating healthy living habits through sports programs and physical activities that are interesting and fun.

Q: What are some common myths about obesity in adolescents?

A: Some common myths about obesity in adolescents include:

Obesity is a result of laziness or lack of willpower.
Obesity is a result of genetics.
Obesity is a result of poor parenting.
Obesity is a result of socioeconomic status.

Q: What are some effective strategies for parents to support their children in reducing obesity?

A: Effective strategies for parents to support their children in reducing obesity include:

Encouraging healthy eating habits
Supporting physical activity levels
Setting a good example by engaging in regular physical activity
Monitoring and limiting screen time
Encouraging social interaction and physical activity with friends.

Q: What are some effective strategies for schools to support adolescents in reducing obesity?

A: Effective strategies for schools to support adolescents in reducing obesity include:

Incorporating physical activity into the school curriculum
Providing opportunities for physical activity during recess and lunch
Encouraging healthy eating habits through school meals and snacks
Supporting adolescents in creating healthy living habits through sports programs and physical activities that are interesting and fun.

Q: What are some effective strategies for healthcare providers to support adolescents in reducing obesity?

A: Effective strategies for healthcare providers to support adolescents in reducing obesity include:

Conducting regular health checks and monitoring weight and body mass index (BMI)
Providing education and counseling on healthy eating habits and physical activity
Encouraging adolescents to set realistic goals and develop a plan to achieve them
Supporting adolescents in creating healthy living habits through sports programs and physical activities that are interesting and fun.

Q: What are some effective strategies for policymakers to support adolescents in reducing obesity?

A: Effective strategies for policymakers to support adolescents in reducing obesity include:

Implementing policies to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits
Providing funding for programs and initiatives that support adolescents in reducing obesity
Encouraging community-based initiatives to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits
Supporting research and evaluation to inform policy decisions.

Q: What are some effective strategies for adolescents to support their peers in reducing obesity?

A: Effective strategies for adolescents to support their peers in reducing obesity include:

Encouraging and supporting friends in engaging in physical activity
Sharing healthy eating habits and recipes with friends
Participating in sports and physical activities with friends
Encouraging friends to set realistic goals and develop a plan to achieve them.

Q: What are some effective strategies for adolescents to overcome obstacles in reducing obesity?

A: Effective strategies for adolescents to overcome obstacles in reducing obesity include:

Setting realistic goals and developing a plan to achieve them
Seeking support from friends, family, and healthcare providers
Encouraging and supporting peers in reducing obesity
Participating in sports and physical activities that are interesting and fun.

Q: What are some effective strategies for adolescents to maintain weight loss over time?

A: Effective strategies for adolescents to maintain weight loss over time include:

Continuing to engage in regular physical activity
Maintaining healthy eating habits
Monitoring and limiting screen time
Encouraging social interaction and physical activity with friends.
Seeking support from friends, family, and healthcare providers.