A Meaningful Step in the Fight Against Obesity

Obesity, like elsewhere in the world, is among the leading life-threatening diseases affecting Turkish society as a whole, regardless of criteria such as age, gender and socioeconomic conditions. Yet obesity is a chronic, preventable disease that must be treated. The Obesity Academy has been established by the Turkish Obesity Research Association (TOAD) and the Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Association (TEMD), with the unconditional support of Novo Nordisk Türkiye. The agreement regarding the establishment of the Obesity Academy was signed by Turkish Obesity Research Association (TOAD) President Prof. Dr. Volkan Yumuk, Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Association (TEMD) General Secretary Prof. Dr. Reyhan Ersoy and Novo Nordisk Türkiye General Manager Dr. Burak Cem. The purpose of the Obesity Academy was stated as "creating educational and scientific projects targeting relevant groups such as the public, physicians, dietitians, exercise specialists, clinical psychologists, nurses and the press in the field of obesity, and serving human and public health for this purpose."

Turkish Obesity Research Association (TOAD) President Prof. Dr. Volkan Yumuk:

"Turkey is among the few countries that define obesity as a treatable chronic disease. In Turkey, where 20 million obese individuals live, everyone must do their part in the fight against obesity. The Obesity Academy was established through the joint effort of TOAD and TEMD, which are active in this field, and Novo Nordisk, which carries out work focused on eliminating the disease. We believe the Obesity Academy will make a significant contribution to the fight against obesity."

Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Association (TEMD) General Secretary Prof. Dr. Reyhan Ersoy:

"According to the latest data from the World Health Organization, there are currently 650 million obese individuals in the world. Furthermore, 41 million children under age 5 are overweight or obese. Turkey is the country with the highest obesity prevalence rate in Europe, with 20 million obese individuals. This picture indicates that obesity and related problems in society will continue to increase. Obesity is a chronic disease that could lead to serious problems in the future. However, it is preventable and treatable. The most important point regarding obesity prevention is education. The Obesity Academy has a very important role to play in this fight. As TEMD, we view this initiative as a social responsibility project. As an association actively working with 600 members in 81 provinces, we wanted to take part in this beneficial initiative."

Novo Nordisk Türkiye General Manager Dr. Burak Cem commented on the matter as follows:

"We are a global health company with 96 years of innovation in the diabetes field. These roots provide us with the experience and capabilities that enable us to help people overcome obesity, hemophilia, growth disorders and other serious chronic diseases. We work with all our strength to form strong partnerships with institutions, non-governmental organizations and associations worldwide to make the most effective treatments for patients as widely accessible as possible. Today, with your participation, we are establishing the Obesity Academy through unconditional cooperation with the Turkish Obesity Research Association and the Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Association. We believe that the Obesity Academy will develop and strengthen with the contributions of all sectors with each passing day, and will take important steps in the fight against obesity."

Novo Nordisk Türkiye Clinical, Medical, Licensing and Quality Director Dr. Rabia Demet Özcan:

"The Obesity Academy will produce scientific knowledge that will serve as a resource for obesity and complications related to this disease. We all bear significant responsibility in raising awareness about obesity. There are very important steps that need to be taken. First, the public needs to be educated about the fight against obesity. More important than treating obesity is preventing it. The focus is now shifting from treating diseases to preventing them. As Novo Nordisk, we are implementing many projects aimed at obesity prevention. The Obesity Academy is the most important of these initiatives."