Makassar, 2025 – Public awareness of healthy eating habits is on the rise as the prevalence of obesity continues to increase in Indonesia. One local food currently in the spotlight of research is black rice, known to be rich in antioxidants, fiber, and bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, which have the potential to aid in weight management. Addressing this urgency, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Muslim Indonesia presented a scientific study on the use of black rice as a functional food to prevent obesity, covering both nutritional aspects and the latest scientific evidence in the field of metabolic health.
The presentation was delivered by Dr. dr. Armanto Makmun, FISQua, AIFO-K., FISPH., FISCSM, an academic and researcher specializing in functional foods and health promotion. In his presentation, he emphasized that regular consumption of black rice can improve glycemic control, enhance fat metabolism, and play a role in preventing obesity-related noncommunicable diseases. An approach based on local foods, such as black rice, is a strategic step toward creating a healthy and nutritionally self-sufficient society. With the support of ongoing research, innovation in functional foods is expected to become one of the solutions for public health in Indonesia.