Beware 'Mager'? Diabetes and Obesity Threaten Productive Age Groups Due to Sedentary Lifestyles

A sedentary lifestyle, marked by prolonged periods of inactivity, has become a silent threat to modern public health, significantly increasing the risk of degenerative diseases. The ease of access to technology and shifts in work patterns have trapped many in passive routines.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that insufficient physical activity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately two million deaths each year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to address the growing prevalence of sedentary habits.

Dr. Rubayat Indradi, an occupational medicine specialist and lecturer at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), warns that a sedentary lifestyle involves spending excessive time sitting or lying down with minimal energy expenditure. This pattern is becoming increasingly common due to changes in work, study, and the pervasive influence of digital technology, leading to prolonged static postures without adequate physical activity.

Dr. Indradi advises individuals to analyze their daily habits, noting that hours spent sitting or lying down are direct examples of sedentary work that elevate the risk of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, particularly among the productive age group. He also points out that technological advancements, while convenient, contribute to a decline in essential physical mobility, citing the common reliance on delivery services and motorized transport for short distances.

"The sophistication of technology today makes us lazy, everything is delivered, right? 'Mager' (lazy). Why not change the habit? Try walking and don't be afraid to sweat," Dr. Rubayat urged, encouraging a shift towards more active routines to mitigate the health consequences of a sedentary life.