Stunting is a condition where a child’s growth is stunted due to chronic
malnutrition, especially during the first thousand days of life. It has significant
impacts on a child’s development and growth, including physical and cognitive
delays, and an increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. In Indonesia,
stunting is a serious issue due to its high prevalence. According to the Indonesian
Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI), the prevalence of stunting decreased from 24.4%
in 2021 to 21.6% in 2022. However, it is still far from the government’s target of
reducing the prevalence of stunting to 14% by 2024. Therefore, efforts are needed
to address the cases of stunting that occur.

Youth play a crucial role in society as agents of change. They can contribute to the
prevention and management of stunting in various ways, such as raising
awareness about the importance of balanced nutrition, initiating health programs
on social media and in their communities, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
With active involvement from teens, stunting prevention efforts can be more
effective and bring positive changes for the future of the nation’s next generation.

In preventing stunting, the role of youth in adopting and promoting a healthy
lifestyle should not be overlooked. Teens who consume nutritious food and
exercise regularly have a greater chance of growing and developing optimally. A
balanced diet, including protein, fats, fiber, calcium, and carbohydrates from
fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins, is essential to support healthy growth
and prevent malnutrition that can lead to stunting. Additionally, regular exercise
helps maintain a balanced weight, boosts immunity, and reduces the risk of
chronic diseases.

To promote a healthy lifestyle in the community, youth can participate in various
programs or activities such as sports clubs, healthy cooking classes, or health
campaigns at school and in their communities. These activities not only raise
awareness about the importance of healthy living but also build positive habits
that can last into adulthood, even when they become parents themselves.

By adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as consuming nutritious food and exercising
regularly, teens can prevent stunting from an early age. Small actions like
choosing healthy foods and being active in physical activities can bring significant
changes for the future of the next generation. Therefore, teens must continue
contributing to stunting prevention efforts.

To achieve this goal, youth should be encouraged to engage in activities that
support a healthy lifestyle. Parents also play a role in setting an example and
supporting children and youth in choosing nutritious foods. Communities and
governments can support these efforts by providing sports facilities, organizing
health campaigns, and ensuring access to healthcare for youth. With strong
collaboration between youth, parents, communities, and governments, we can
create an environment that supports optimal child growth and development, free
from stunting.

References:

Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional. (2023). BRIN Ungkap Prevalensi Stunting di
Indonesia Cenderung Fluktuatif. BRIN. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from
https://www.brin.go.id/news/116962/brin-ungkap-prevalensi-stunting-di-in
donesia-cenderung-fluktuatif

Halodoc. (2023). Konsumsi Makanan Bergizi dan Bernutrisi untuk Hidup Sehat.
Halodoc. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/konsumsi-makanan-bergizi-dan-bernutrisi-untuk-hidup-sehat

Kemenkes.go.id. (2022). Buku Saku Hasil Studi Status Gizi Indonesia (SSGI)
Tahun 2021- Badan Kebijakan Pembangunan Kesehatan | BKPK
Kemenkes. Badan Kebijakan Pembangunan Kesehatan. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.badankebijakan.kemkes.go.id/buku-saku-hasil-studi-status-gi
zi-indonesia-ssgi-tahun-2021/