Beware the Dangers of Forced Running: PYFA Expert Highlights Risks of Knee Joint Damage in Individuals with Obesity

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JAKARTA, October 23, 2026 – PT Pyridam Farma Tbk (IDX: PYFA) urges the public, particularly individuals classified as overweight to clinically obese, to exercise greater caution amid the euphoria surrounding the mass running trend. Running is frequently viewed as a primary option and quick fix for weight loss. However, abruptly pushing oneself into high-intensity exercise poses severe latent risks to bodily mobility. Mechanically, the musculoskeletal system is forced to absorb impact loads far exceeding safe limits every time a foot strikes the pavement. If sustained, this destructive condition does not merely cause localized muscle soreness, but has the potential to trigger permanent cartilage tears, accelerating the risk of early-onset osteoarthritis.

This public enthusiasm is reflected in data compiled by IndonesiaMarathon.com, which shows a dramatic surge in national running events, with nearly 1,000 registered events recorded for the 2025 to 2026 period. The high enthusiasm for this mass running trend leads many recreational runners to overlook their physical readiness and immediately undertake long distances, significantly increasing the risk of skeletal injury.

For individuals living with obesity, the wisest and safest initial step is not forcing participation in extreme running trends, but rather focusing on building a foundation of muscle and bone strength to protect joint structures. Subjecting knee anatomy to increased static and dynamic loads without a strong protective muscular belt surrounding it guarantees chronic dysfunction. Ultimately, the culmination of this condition will force individuals to halt all fitness activities altogether.

PYFA Medical Expert dr. Carlinda Nekawaty noted that insufficient nutritional readiness in bones and joints is often a primary contributor to high injury rates among recreational runners. Therefore, internal structural protection serves as an essential preventive measure before escalating exercise intensity to ensure optimal mobility.

“In individuals with an obese Body Mass Index, the anatomical structure of the knees is often unable to support their own body weight during high-intensity exercise such as running. Consequently, I strongly advise against making running their primary form of exercise immediately. Overweight and/or obese individuals face a sharply elevated prevalence of knee joint pain if they force themselves to run on a weekly basis. It is highly recommended to focus first on weight loss through low-impact exercises that do not strain the knees, such as resistance training or brisk walking, to burn fat reserves. Eventually, this new muscle mass will help support the body’s foundation and protect knee joints from premature damage,” emphasized dr. Carlinda Nekawaty, PYFA Medical Expert.

Recognizing and respecting one’s physical structural limits is a vital wisdom that must not be brushed aside merely for social validation. The decision to engage in high-impact exercise on a skeletal system medically unprepared for repetitive loads inevitably leads to complex joint damage complications. Transitioning physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle must be planned in a structured, rational manner aligned with each individual’s physical tolerance.

This warning becomes increasingly essential given the rising national trend in body weight. According to health data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia via the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), the national obesity prevalence among adults (aged 18 and above) has escalated significantly, reaching 23.4%. This growing proportion places millions of Indonesians at heightened risk of degenerative mobility dysfunction, particularly if adopted physical routines are biomechanically unsuitable for their Body Mass Index (BMI).

Moving forward, PYFA will continue supporting the public in adopting active lifestyles through safe exercise literacy campaigns tailored to individual physical conditions. Through synergy with the broader healthcare ecosystem, the company aims to reduce the incidence of traumatic injuries, as achieving an ideal weight should not come at the cost of mobility in old age. Therefore, safeguard and respect your knee joint function by initiating physical transformation through low-impact methods and gradually building muscular readiness. As part of holistic support along this health journey, PYFA offers a product lineup featuring Caltron, Osteor Plus, and Syalox 300 P to help maintain bone and joint health from within, enabling continuous movement toward a healthy body weight.

About PYFA

PT Pyridam Farma Tbk, also known as PYFA, is a public pharmaceutical company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (Ticker: PYFA). PYFA operates several business units producing prescription medicines in various forms, including tablets, capsules, creams, and injections. PYFA also has several well-known subsidiaries, including PT Holi Pharma, PT Ethica Industri Farmasi, and Probiotec Multipack.