Teen girls shun iron pills fearing weight gain, risking anemia and pregnancy complications in Serang, Banten

The Serang District Health Office in Banten Province is intensifying its campaign to prevent anemia among adolescent girls through vitamin and iron tablet distribution. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to lower the maternal mortality rate and reduce the incidence of early pregnancies.

Health officials identify adolescent girls as a primary target group, recognizing that their health significantly influences future pregnancy quality and maternal safety. A key challenge is the changing dietary habits of teenagers, who often prefer fast food over nutrient-rich, iron-fortified meals. This nutritional gap necessitates supplementation.

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What concerns us now is the adolescent girl group. Many teenagers in high school and below are reluctant to consume vitamins because they are afraid of gaining weight. In fact, vitamins do not cause weight gain and are actually very important so their bodies do not experience anemia.

Officials express concern over a misconception among some adolescent girls who avoid iron supplements, fearing weight gain. The health department stresses that these vitamins do not cause weight gain and are crucial for preventing anemia. Anemia is presented not just as a blood deficiency but as a condition with serious implications for women's reproductive health.

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Anemia is not just a matter of lack of blood, but can have serious impacts on women's reproductive health.

The risks are amplified for young women who marry and become pregnant at an early age. Their underdeveloped bodies are more susceptible to pregnancy complications, particularly hemorrhage during childbirth, a leading preventable cause of maternal death. The health department highlights that early intervention through preventative measures in schools can mitigate these dangers.

Data from the Serang District Health Office shows 11 maternal deaths in the first six months of the year, following 20 cases in 2025. These figures underscore the urgency of addressing anemia and promoting healthy pregnancies among young women.

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The physical condition is not yet optimal and a history of anemia becomes very dangerous if the teenager decides to marry at a young age. This physical unpreparedness is one of the main causes of bleeding that leads to death during early pregnancy or during childbirth.