IBB Announces Action Plan to Combat Obesity

İBB launches active campaign against obesity, which has become a public health problem, with 'Action Plan to Combat Obesity'. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Deputy Secretary General Şengül Altan Arslan, presenting the strategy document that will serve as a model for local administrations, shared Turkey's obesity situation by saying, "One in every 3 people in our country is obese. We rank first in Europe on this issue. Among OECD countries, we are the second highest after the United States." Arslan called on Istanbul residents to take action against obesity and unveiled a 6-point action plan. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) unveiled its new vision in its work on obesity. Deputy Secretary General Şengül Altan Arslan, sharing the 'Action Plan to Combat Obesity' with the public, said that obesity is among the most important health problems threatening all humanity. Providing information that one in every 3 people in Turkey suffers from obesity, Arslan stated, "We rank first in Europe in obesity. Moreover, among OECD countries, we are the second country with the highest obesity rate after the United States. Although obesity is generally perceived as an adult disease, childhood obesity is unfortunately now a global public health problem." 6-POINT MAIN PLAN At the program held at Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Arslan, explaining İBB's roadmap, shared examples of projects and services implemented so far in this direction; İstanbul Family Counseling and Training Center (İSADEM) trainings, the 'Walk Istanbul' application that encourages action, and the 'Pedalist' project in which 35 thousand bicycles were made available for student use. Stating that they have developed action principles embracing the community, Arslan listed the recommendations of the 'Action Plan to Combat Obesity' consisting of 6 main headings as follows: 1) Preventing Childhood Obesity 2) Developing Healthy Nutrition Opportunities 3) Supporting Attitude and Behavior Change Toward Healthy Nutrition 4) Expanding Active Mobility Infrastructure Throughout the City 5) Making Active Mobility Culture a Part of Daily Life 6) Developing Cooperation for a Healthy Life, Establishing Monitoring and Follow-up Mechanisms Stating that they aim to create cooperation that will expand preventive health services, Arslan said, "We are calling on 16 million Istanbul residents, young and old, to take action against obesity. Our goal is to make physical activity and healthy eating a part of every Istanbul resident's life." CONSULTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED İBB Health Department Head Önder Yüksel Eryiğit conveyed that they are working with all municipal units and stakeholders through the 'Healthy Nutrition and Active Living Coordination' to ensure Istanbul residents achieve a healthy life. Noting that they plan to provide consulting services on healthy nutrition and obesity, Eryiğit said, "We believe it is important for Istanbul residents to demand all the services we have prepared for a healthy life and to make healthy eating and regular physical activity habits a way of life."