One in Every Three People in Turkey Is Obese

An awareness panel was held in Ankara for World Obesity Day. Speaking at the panel, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bozbaş, Head of the Department of Cardiology at TOBB ETÜ Faculty of Medicine, explained that one in three people in Turkey are obese.

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Department of Health Services hosted the "Cities Moving Towards Health Panel" on the occasion of 4 March World Obesity Day. The event addressed the effects of obesity on health and preventive measures that can be taken.

"Obesity Is One of the Major Causes of Cardiovascular Disease"
Speaking at the panel, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bozbaş, Head of the Department of Cardiology at TOBB ETÜ Faculty of Medicine, said, "Obesity has become an epidemic spreading rapidly worldwide and poses a serious threat to public health." Emphasizing that heart and cardiovascular diseases have long been among the leading causes of death, Bozbaş stated, "Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30 kg/m² are considered obese. Research shows that as weight increases, mortality rates also rise."

Turkey Ranks First in Europe for Obesity
Drawing attention to obesity as a global health crisis, Bozbaş said, "Over the past 40 years, the obesity rate has doubled. According to the European Society of Cardiology report, Turkey is the country with the highest obesity rate in Europe. 32 percent of the adult population in our country is obese."

Childhood Obesity Sounding Alarms
Noting that obesity beginning in childhood continues into adulthood, Prof. Dr. Bozbaş emphasized the need to prevent excessive weight gain particularly in children aged 2-6 years. Prof. Bozbaş stated, "Healthy eating habits should be acquired at a young age, and families should act more consciously on this matter."

Exercise Is Essential for Healthy Living
Noting that smoking sets a bad example, Bozbaş warned, "Just as smoking sets a negative role model for children, we can set a good example by exercising regularly and maintaining our ideal weight."

Obesity Can Be Prevented and Treated
Stating that obesity can be controlled, Prof. Dr. Bozbaş said, "Through proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, obesity can often be prevented without even requiring medication. Maintaining our ideal weight is of great importance in protecting our heart health."