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Adolescents are considered a vulnerable group to nutritional problems because they experience rapid physical growth accompanied by lifestyle changes and unhealthy eating habits. The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among teenagers has become a major public health concern that requires serious attention. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between peer influence, the frequency of eating out, and fast-food consumption habits with the incidence of overweight among students at SMAN 1 Surabaya. The research applied a quantitative approach using an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional method. A total of 81 students participated in the study and were selected through proportional random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, SQ-FFQ forms, and anthropometric measurements, then analyzed using the Chi-Square statistical test. The findings revealed significant associations between peer influence, eating out frequency, and fast-food consumption habits with the occurrence of overweight among adolescents. Students who more frequently consumed meals outside the home and regularly ate fast food showed a greater tendency to experience overweight and obesity. These results indicate that social environments and modern dietary patterns contribute to the increasing prevalence of overweight among adolescents. Therefore, nutrition education and healthy lifestyle promotion should be strengthened through the involvement of schools, families, and peer groups.

This study was conducted in response to the increasingly complex nutritional issues among adolescents, reflected in the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition within the same population, which are closely associated with dietary consumption patterns. The research aimed to investigate the relationship between diet quality and the nutritional status of students at SMAN 9 Surabaya. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was employed, involving 85 participants selected based on the estimated sample requirement for correlation analysis. Dietary intake data were collected using two non-consecutive 24-hour food recalls and subsequently assessed using the Diet Quality Index for Adolescents (DQI-A). Nutritional status was determined through BMI-for-age calculations in accordance with the World Health Organization standards. Data analysis was performed using correlational testing and Chi-Square analysis to identify differences in proportions. The findings revealed that the respondents’ diet quality remained suboptimal, while most students were categorized as having normal nutritional status, although cases of undernutrition and overnutrition were still identified. A significant association was found between diet quality and nutritional status (p = 0.001), indicating that better diet quality tended to be linked with normal nutritional status. Based on the DQI-A components, dietary quality demonstrated a significant relationship with nutritional status (p = 0.007), whereas dietary diversity (p = 0.597) and dietary equilibrium (p = 0.507) showed no significant associations. These findings highlight that diet quality, particularly food selection patterns, plays an important role in determining adolescent nutritional status. Therefore, improving nutritional conditions requires more intensive nutrition education interventions focusing on healthy food choices, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and controlled intake of sugar, salt, and fat, supported consistently by both individuals and the school environment.

The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is a strategic initiative by the Indonesian government to address the long-standing issues of malnutrition and stunting, which have significantly hindered human resource (HR) development in Indonesia. The program aims to improve children's nutrition and reduce stunting by providing free nutritious meals, particularly in areas with limited access to healthy food. This study aims to analyze the legal framework of MBG, its effectiveness in achieving its goals, and its impact on national development. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzes the implementation of MBG through document analysis, interviews with relevant stakeholders, and field observations. The findings highlight challenges within the program, including imbalanced food distribution, inadequate infrastructure in remote areas, and suboptimal food quality control, which resulted in several food poisoning incidents in 2025. Nevertheless, the program has a positive economic impact by empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in food supply. The study suggests strengthening the monitoring system, improving budget management, and better coordination between government sectors and communities to maximize the success of MBG. It also emphasizes the importance of nutrition education campaigns to support the program's goals. Overall, MBG is a crucial step toward creating a healthier and more productive generation, supporting the achievement of Indonesia's Golden Generation by 2045..

The postpartum period is an important time for the mother's physiological recovery after childbirth, during which various bodily changes are still ongoing and health risks, including changes in blood pressure, may occur. One factor that is thought to affect blood pressure during the postpartum period is dietary patterns, particularly high sodium intake. Salted fish is a food commonly consumed by the community and is known to have a high salt content. This study aims to analyze the effect of salted fish consumption on blood pressure in postpartum mothers from day 1 to day 28. This study used a quantitative approach with an analytical observational design through a cross-sectional method. The study sample consisted of 20 postpartum mothers on days 1–28 who were selected using purposive sampling. The independent variable was salted fish consumption, while the dependent variable was the systolic blood pressure of postpartum mothers. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and blood pressure measurements with a standard tensiometer. Data analysis was performed using univariate and bivariate methods. The Shapiro–Wilk normality test showed that the data were not normally distributed, so the analysis was continued with the Wilcoxon test. The results of the study show a significant difference between systolic blood pressure before and after exposure to salted fish consumption, indicating that consumption of foods high in salt affects changes in blood pressure in postpartum women. This study concludes that salted fish consumption has the potential to affect the blood pressure of postpartum women. Therefore, nutrition education related to limiting the intake of foods high in salt during the postpartum period needs to be improved as part of efforts to prevent postpartum hypertension.

Gerakan Tutup Mulut (GTM), or “Refusal to Eat,” is a common nutritional problem among toddlers and contributes to reduced nutrient intake and an increased risk of malnutrition. Preliminary observations at Posyandu Aster 11 Way Kandis, Bandar Lampung, indicated that mothers had low levels of knowledge regarding the causes of GTM and limited exposure to responsive feeding education. This community service activity aimed to improve mothers’ understanding of the factors contributing to GTM and to introduce pisang barongko as an innovative, nutritious snack option to help prevent GTM. The methods utilized included educational sessions through leaflets, presentations, video demonstrations, and pretest–posttest evaluation using the Wilcoxon test. The activity involved 25 participants and resulted in an improvement in knowledge scores from an average of 66 to 94.8, demonstrating a significant increase of 28.80 (p < 0.05). High participant enthusiasm, effective material delivery, and the availability of educational outputs such as videos and leaflets supported the success of the program. These findings highlight the importance of nutrition education based on local food resources as a practical and sustainable strategy to prevent GTM in children.

Anemia remains a significant public health problem commonly experienced by women of reproductive age (WRA) due to inadequate iron intake, blood loss during menstruation, and limited knowledge of healthy dietary patterns and balanced nutrition. This condition may lead to decreased productivity, reduced immune function, and an increased risk of complications in future pregnancies. This community service activity aimed to improve the knowledge of women of reproductive age regarding anemia prevention through balanced nutrition education at PMB Imelda Tae Sekadau in 2026. The method used in this activity was health education through lectures, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions. The activity was conducted through several stages, including opening, material delivery, evaluation, and closing sessions. A total of 11 women of reproductive age participated actively in the counseling session. The evaluation results indicated that more than 85% of participants were able to answer the questions provided after the material presentation, suggesting an improvement in understanding of anemia, its signs and symptoms, impacts, and the importance of implementing balanced nutrition in daily life as an effort to prevent anemia. Therefore, this counseling activity was considered effective in enhancing the knowledge of women of reproductive age regarding anemia prevention through balanced nutrition education.

Low levels of maternal knowledge and appropriate nutritional practices, combined with limited continuity of nutrition education from health workers, remain significant risk factors for maternal and child health problems, including stunting. The GEMPITA Program (Gerakan Edukasi MPASI Tepat dan Aman / Safe and Appropriate Complementary Feeding Education Movement) was implemented as a community service initiative to improve nutritional knowledge, skills, and practices among families in the working area of Teratak Public Health Center. The program employed structured methods, including socialization, education, training, demonstrations, mentoring, and non-formal monitoring and evaluation. The target participants were mothers with children aged 6–24 months, as well as health workers and community health cadres. Program effectiveness was assessed using pretest posttest measurements and direct observation of behavioral changes. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in maternal knowledge regarding appropriate complementary feeding, enhanced skills in age-appropriate food preparation, and improved hygienic and nutritious feeding practices. In addition, the capacity of health workers to deliver nutrition education was strengthened. Overall, the GEMPITA Program proved effective in improving family nutrition practices and reinforcing the role of the public health center in stunting prevention through a sustainable community empowerment approach.

Stunting remains a chronic nutritional issue affecting human resource quality in Indonesia, particularly children under five years old. High prevalence of stunting impacts long-term cognitive development, physical growth, and productivity of the young generation (Ministry of Health, 2023). This community service aims to optimize the role of public administration in disseminating policies and programs to reduce stunting through education, training, and direct community assistance. Activities were carried out through coordination with government officials, community health cadres, and local leaders, using local communication media to raise awareness about nutrition. The results indicate an increase in community knowledge on stunting, balanced nutrition practices, and active involvement of both officials and residents in stunting reduction programs. Optimizing public administration through capacity building, cross-sector coordination, and information technology utilization supports program targets. This service recommends strategies for sustainable, participatory, and data-driven program implementation.

This study aimed to analyze differences in body composition among adult women across three regions with distinct sociocultural and environmental characteristics: Baduy Luar (rural–traditional), Salatiga (semi-urban), and Kota Bambu (urban). Using a cross-sectional design, the study involved 268 participants and assessed total body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and skeletal muscle mass using the OMRON HBF-370 analyzer. Significant differences were observed across most body composition parameters (p < 0.001). Women living in the urban area exhibited the highest levels of total fat, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat, reflecting the influence of urbanization and sedentary lifestyle on adiposity. Conversely, women in the rural–traditional community demonstrated the highest skeletal muscle mass across all body regions, consistent with their physically demanding daily activities and traditional dietary patterns. These findings highlight the substantial role of environmental context in shaping metabolic health and cardiometabolic risk. Targeted public-health interventions—such as structured physical-activity promotion and nutrition education in urban populations, and preservation of active lifestyles in rural communities—are recommended. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify causal pathways and further characterize metabolic determinants.

The nutritional status of toddlers is an important indicator that reflects the level of public health in a region. This study aims to analyze the nutritional status of children aged 0–5 years in Teupin Desa Teupin Gapeuh Kecamatan Tanah Pasir Kabupaten Aceh Utara. This research employed a descriptive quantitative method using secondary data obtained from health records and posyandu (integrated health post) reports. The study involved a total of 60 children under five, consisting of 33 boys and 27 girls. The findings revealed that based on the weight-for-age (W/A) index, 81.7% of children had normal nutritional status, 13.3% were undernourished, and 3.3% were severely undernourished. Based on height-for-age (H/A), 90.0% were normal, 5.0% were short, and 3.3% were very short. According to the weight-for-height (W/H) index, 83.3% were normal, 11.7% were undernourished, and 5.0% were at risk of overweight. Furthermore, the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 8.3%, 11.7%, and 16.7% respectively. These results indicate that although most children have normal nutritional status, some still experience nutritional deficiencies that require special attention. Therefore, health workers and local governments need to strengthen nutrition education programs, increase community awareness of balanced nutrition, and improve monitoring of child growth to prevent malnutrition in the area

Malnutrition among early childhood remains a critical issue that hinders Indonesia’s efforts to realize its Golden Generation. This study aims to describe the current condition of child malnutrition, its impacts, contributing factors, and strategies for prevention involving families, communities, health workers, early childhood education institutions, and the government. This paper uses a literature review method by examining scientific sources related to nutrition, early childhood development, and governmental policies. The findings indicate that severe malnutrition significantly affects children’s physical, cognitive, socio-emotional development, and long-term health. Contributing factors include low nutritional literacy, inadequate parenting practices, poor sanitation, recurrent infections, economic limitations, and suboptimal implementation of nutrition programs. Effective prevention requires an integrated, multisectoral approach involving nutrition education, growth monitoring, improved access to nutritious food, and strengthened interventions during the First 1000 Days of Life. Sustainable collaboration across sectors is essential to reduce malnutrition rates and support the development of a healthy and competitive future generation.

Adolescents are a vulnerable age group to nutritional problems due to increased nutritional requirements during periods of rapid growth. Suboptimal nutritional status, including undernutrition and anaemia, can negatively affect health and academic performance. This study aimed to describe the nutritional status of adolescents at SMA Negeri 2 Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This study employed a descriptive observational design conducted from August to September 2025 with a total sample of 226 twelfth-grade students’ selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected through measurements of body weight and height to determine nutritional status based on the BMI-for-Age indicator and haemoglobin levels were assessed using a digital haemometer. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis. The results showed that most respondents had normal nutritional status (52.2%), while a considerable proportion were undernutrition (47.8%). In addition, more than half of the respondents were anaemia (50.9%). These findings indicate that although anthropometric nutritional status was generally normal, anemia remains a health problem that requires attention among adolescents. Regular monitoring of nutritional status and hemoglobin levels accompanied by nutrition education is recommended. Further studies are recommended to use an analytical study design to identify factors associated with nutritional status and anaemia.

Anemia is a global health problem that frequently affects adolescent girls, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia. Adolescent girls are at a higher risk of anemia due to menstrual blood loss and inadequate nutritional intake. This study aims to describe the level of knowledge about anemia among female students in Islamic boarding schools in Tarakan City. The research employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive method. The sample consisted of 124 adolescent girls selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from the Guidelines for Assessing Nutrition-related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (FAO) and De et al., comprising 11 statement items. The results showed that 39.5% of respondents had good knowledge, 34.7% had moderate knowledge, and 25.8% had poor knowledge, with a mean score of 70.24, standard deviation of 19.10, minimum score of 18.18, and maximum score of 100.00. The study concludes that most adolescent girls in Islamic boarding schools in Tarakan City have good knowledge about anemia, although continuous nutrition education remains necessary.

Stunting is a nutritional problem caused by prolonged nutritional deficiencies during the critical first 1,000 days of life (HPK). This results in growth disorders in children, resulting in a lower height or shorter stature (dwarfism) than the standard for their age. Objective: To provide information to parents of toddlers about the dangers and impacts of stunting. Nutrition education is one of the main strategies in stunting prevention by providing the community with an understanding of the importance of a healthy diet. This education includes: the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and the provision of appropriate complementary foods (MPASI), the introduction of balanced nutritious foods, especially animal protein, which supports child growth, and good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before eating and maintaining environmental sanitation. The activity was carried out by providing education on stunting prevention to parents of toddlers through outreach in Marente Village, Alas District, Sumbawa Regency. The media used in this activity were leaflets distributed to parents of toddlers. Parental knowledge after receiving the educational materials provided. Parental knowledge increased, a significant increase. Before education, only 25.0% of parents had high knowledge about stunting, while after education, this increased to 77.5%.

Malnutrition is a condition in which the body does not receive enough essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, calories, and minerals, which causes various health problems, especially wasting and stunting, making it a serious concern in children. According to the Basic Health Research, the prevalence of malnourished children in Indonesia remained stable at 17.8% between 2016 and 2017 but decreased to 13.8% in 2018. This case study focuses on a 23-month-old girl from Kuala Keureuto Village, who was observed for three weeks through home visits in 2025. The diagnosis of malnutrition was made in accordance with national guidelines outlined in the Indonesian Minister of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2020, regarding child anthropometric standards. Anthropometric measurements showed that the child's height was 78.3 cm and her weight was 8.8 kg. Based on these measurements, her nutritional status was assessed as follows: A height/age Z-score between -2 and -3 SD indicates stunting, a weight/age Z-score between -2 and -3 SD indicates underweight, while a weight/age Z-score below -2 SD and a BMI/age Z-score below -2 SD are considered well-nourished. After confirming the diagnosis, the patient received nutrition education, supplemental feeding, appetite-stimulating supplements, and growth monitoring. In addition, analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing her condition, concluding that the malnutrition observed in this 23-month-old patient was influenced by parenting behavior, parental knowledge, medical history, incomplete immunizations, and environmental factors.

The nutritional status of elementary school children serves as a vital indicator of their overall growth, development, and future health outcomes. Poor nutritional status, whether in the form of undernutrition or overweight, can lead to a range of health and academic performance issues. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of Grade 4A students at SD 064981 Cempaka Raya using anthropometric measurements and to examine the association between snacking habits and nutritional categories. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a total sampling approach involving all 20 students in the class. Data collection consisted of direct height and weight measurements conducted according to standardized procedures. The data were then analyzed using the WHO Anthro Plus software to classify nutritional status into undernourished, normal, overweight, and obese categories. Additionally, information on students’ snacking habits during school hours was obtained through structured questionnaires. The results indicated that 25% of students were undernourished, 50% had normal nutritional status, 20% were overweight, and 5% were obese. Bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test demonstrated a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.001) between snacking behavior and nutritional status. Specifically, all students who reported frequent consumption of snacks at school were classified as overweight or obese, whereas those who did not engage in frequent snacking predominantly fell within the undernourished or normal categories. These findings highlight the potential role of unhealthy snacking patterns in contributing to excessive weight gain among school-age children. Based on the results, it is recommended that nutrition education programs be implemented for both students and parents, coupled with stricter regulations on the availability and sale of high-calorie snack foods within the school environment. Such measures may serve as preventive strategies to promote healthy growth, maintain optimal nutritional status, and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases later in life.

Instant noodles are a widely consumed fast food product, and consumer understanding of their nutritional content and potential health risks is thought to influence both attitudes and behaviors related to their consumption. Specifically, this understanding may affect how individuals meet their energy requirements—measured by the Recommended Energy Intake (REI)—through the consumption of instant noodles. This study aims to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes and the consumption practices of instant noodles among consumers at Warmindo K17 in Surabaya. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed to 100 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Fisher’s exact tests were utilized to analyze the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and consumption practices. The results indicated a statistically significant association between knowledge levels and consumption practices (p = 0.030), as well as between attitudes and consumption practices (p = 0.006), with both p-values falling below the 0.05 threshold. These findings suggest that higher levels of nutritional knowledge and more positive attitudes are associated with healthier instant noodle consumption practices. The study underscores the importance of enhancing public nutrition education to encourage healthier dietary behaviors. Furthermore, the findings may offer valuable insights for Warmindo business operators in developing more effective strategies for communicating product information to consumers.

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem in toddlers that remains a global concern, including in Indonesia. This condition is characterized by height that is not appropriate for age due to long-term malnutrition, repeated infections, and environmental and social factors. The impact of stunting not only affects physical growth but also cognitive development, future productivity, and increases the risk of degenerative diseases in adulthood. Various factors contribute to stunting, including biological factors such as the child's gender and behavioral factors such as maternal knowledge about nutrition and health. This study aims to analyze the relationship between child gender and maternal knowledge and the incidence of stunting in toddlers. The research design used a quantitative cross-sectional approach. A sample of 73 respondents was selected using a stratified proportional sampling technique. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements of toddlers. Data analysis was performed using univariate analysis to describe frequency distributions, and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test with a 95% confidence level. The results showed no significant association between child gender and stunting (p > 0.05). This indicates that biological factors such as gender are not the primary determinant of stunting in the study area. Conversely, there was a significant relationship between maternal knowledge and the incidence of stunting in toddlers (p < 0.05), indicating that mothers with low levels of knowledge are at greater risk of having stunted children. These findings emphasize the importance of improving maternal knowledge through ongoing nutrition education programs, health counseling, and promotive-preventive activities at community health centers. These interventions are expected to prevent stunting and other health problems in toddlers and support the achievement of the national stunting reduction target.

Anemia is a common health problem among adolescent girls, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. This condition is generally caused by insufficient iron intake, an unbalanced diet, and increased iron requirements during growth. Anemia not only impacts physical health but also affects concentration, productivity, and quality of life. Therefore, interventions based on nutrition education and the utilization of local food sources are crucial in sustainable anemia prevention efforts. One potential complementary therapy alternative is the consumption of herbal drinks based on moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera). Moringa leaves are known to be rich in iron, vitamin A, and antioxidants that play a role in red blood cell formation. This community service activity aims to increase the knowledge and skills of adolescent girls in utilizing moringa leaves as a natural source of iron. The target group is grade 10 and 11 female students at SMA Sejahtera Palembang, which was held in June 2025. The activity methods included a nutrition lecture on anemia and the importance of iron, an interactive discussion on the benefits of moringa leaves, and hands-on practice in making herbal moringa drinks (such as moringa leaf tea and moringa juice). The material was delivered using a communicative and participatory approach to actively engage participants. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants' understanding of the causes of anemia, the benefits of moringa leaves, and their willingness to consume herbal drinks as a preventative measure. Most participants also expressed interest in trying to make their own moringa herbal drink at home. This activity is expected to become part of school-based promotional and preventive efforts to address anemia in adolescent girls.

Nutritional problems among elementary school-aged children remain a critical public health issue in Indonesia. A lack of family understanding regarding the importance of balanced nutrition is one of the key contributing factors to the high rates of stunting and malnutrition. This community service activity aims to improve family awareness of children's nutrition through an educational approach tailored to the families’ social, economic, and cultural characteristics. The program was conducted at SD Inpres Laikang, involving 60 families. The methods included identification of family characteristics, focus group discussions (FGDs), interactive lectures, and pre-and post-test evaluations. The results showed an improvement in nutritional understanding among 87% of participants, along with healthier dietary behavior changes at home. This approach adapts the principles of the Harvard Public Health Nutrition Model, which views the family as a systemic unit in shaping children's eating habits. Education based on family characteristics has proven effective and relevant in supporting sustainable nutrition literacy improvement.