A nutrition survey and food patterns in predominantly middle-income housewives in Jakarta

Background and purpose. Lifestyle-related diseases have become the leadingcause of death in Indonesia and are increasing along with overweight and obesity in all ages.Currently, about half of Jakarta women are obese. Little is known of their present dietaryhabits and food patterns, particularly among housewives. This study investigated energy andnutrient intakes compared with the current recommended dietary allowance, intakes ofvegetable and table sugar, and frequently consumed foods. Methods. Seven communities inJakarta were contacted and permission from 4 communities was obtained. Housewives wereapproached through each community health center. There were 196 housewives agreed to besubjects. Anthropometric measurements were conducted at the health centers. A nutritionsurvey by the 24 hour dietary recall method for 3 nonconsecutive days was conducted byvisiting each subject’s home. Results. Thirty-nine percent of the subjects had normal BMI,21% were overweight, and 40% obesity. The daily nutrient intakes of energy, protein,carbohydrate, lipid, and fiber were 1962 kcal, 54g, 249g, 87g, and 10g, respectively. Energyintake was close to RDA of 1900kcal/day, lipid intake was on upper limit level, and fiberintake was only half of lower limit level. The vegetable intake was 96g/d, only 25% ofrecommendation. The table sugar intake was 29g/d, within recommendation of less than 10%energy. The top three frequently consumed foods were 29% fried animal protein, 17% friedtempeh, and 15% coconut milk rice. Commonly consumed sugary food and drinks were 19%cake and 19% added table sugar in tea or coffee. Conclusion. By the high prevalence ofoverweight and obesity whilst energy intake was close to energy RDA, it suggested that RDAis currently overestimated. The factors for lifestyle-related diseases were suggested by thehousewives` overweight and obesity prevalence, high lipid intake and low fiber intake.