Children’s Brains Record What They Eat, So Get Used to Healthy Eating

The EAT-Lancet 2025 Report emphasizes that Indonesia faces a complex food crisis impacting children’s health and development, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes in food access and quality.

Growing Food Crisis in Indonesia

Launched by the Indonesian Academy of Sciences in partnership with the EAT-Lancet Commission, the EAT-Lancet 2025 Report was presented on May 18, 2026. This updated report follows the 2019 global study and underscores the urgency of transforming food systems to promote healthier and more equitable access to nutrition.

Herawati Supolo-Sudoyo, Chairperson of AIPI Medical Sciences Commission, pointed out the difficult reality Indonesia faces with the triple burden of malnutrition. The country battles a decline in stunting alongside rising rates of obesity, particularly among children. As the report notes, the food crisis extends beyond mere hunger to consider broader health implications.

Health Challenges Linked to Diet

Rina Agustina, a nutrition scientist from the University of Indonesia, addressed the critical state of the nation’s food system. Despite a drop in stunting rates, high levels of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies pose persistent challenges. According to the Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey, 12.8% of children aged 5-12 years are classified as obese, a situation exacerbated by rising consumption of ultra-processed foods.

The report advocates for a planetary health diet that includes more plant-based foods while limiting the intake of ultra-processed products. These dietary recommendations aim to combat the health crises resulting from unhealthy eating patterns, particularly among Indonesia’s youth.

Long-term Effects of Childhood Diets

Recent findings from research conducted by APC Microbiome Ireland, published in Nature Communications in February 2026, reveal that early exposure to sugary and fatty foods can induce lasting changes in the brain’s functioning. Such alterations may persist even if a child’s weight normalizes, suggesting that the biological imprint of unhealthy eating can influence future dietary preferences.

Lead author Cristina Cuesta-Martí highlighted how early diet impacts the hypothalamus, the brain region governing hunger and energy balance. These modifications can hinder a child’s ability to recognize satiety, potentially leading to a lifelong struggle with unhealthy cravings.

Calls for Systemic Change

The report underscores the importance of systemic solutions rather than placing the burden on individual families. Efforts are needed across multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, and education, to ensure equitable access to nutritious food. Shakuntala H Thilsted from EAT-Lancet 2025 emphasizes that vulnerable populations should not be overlooked in this transition toward healthier diets.

As ultra-processed foods become more prevalent, they often overshadow fresh and nutritious options, leading families to prioritize convenience over quality. Increased collaboration among sectors is essential to create fair and affordable access to healthy foods for all Indonesians.

THE CNP TAKEAWAY

Addressing Indonesia’s food crisis requires a multifaceted approach to ensure all children have access to nutritious options. Comprehensive strategies should look beyond immediate solutions to promote long-term health outcomes.

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