Türkiye Launches Nationwide Obesity Prevention Campaign as Junk Food  Swells Bellies

The Turkish Health Ministry has kicked off a nationwide health screening campaign aimed at fighting the country’s growing obesity epidemic, with a focus on measuring height, weight, and body mass index (BMI).

Health Screenings in Public Spaces Across 81 Provinces

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that medical teams would be deployed across all 81 provinces, conducting BMI screenings in public squares, community centers, and at major public events.

After screening, individuals found to be overweight will be referred to state-run healthy lifestyle facilities and family health centers, where they will receive nutritional counseling and regular follow-up support from certified dietitians.

The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness about the risks of excess weight and encourage healthier living habits.

The initiative aims to reach 10 million people between May 10 and July 10.

What is BMI and Why Does It Matter?

BMI is a commonly used health indicator that calculates body fat based on a person’s height and weight. A BMI of 30 or more is classified as obesity, which is considered a chronic and progressive disease influenced by a wide range of factors including genetics, environmental conditions, socioeconomic status, and mental health.

Türkiye Among the Fastest-Growing Obesity Nations

This campaign comes as Türkiye faces a dramatic rise in obesity and childhood eating disorders.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Türkiye is one of the countries with the fastest-growing obesity rates globally. While global projections indicate that 70% of the population may be obese by 2060, Türkiye’s forecast is even higher at 94%.

Professor Mehmet Cindoruk, president of the Turkish Gastroenterology Association, stated that around 30% of Türkiye’s population is already obese, putting the country on par with the United States in terms of prevalence.

1 in 5 Children Faces a Nutritional Disorder

Professor Ömer Faruk Başer from the Turkish Paediatric Association warned that one in five children in Türkiye suffers from some form of nutritional imbalance, often due to low-nutrient, high-calorie diets.

Among children with eating disorders, 15% fall under the obesity category, which can severely hinder physical and cognitive development.

Record Surge in Obesity Confirmed at National Medical Congress

At the ongoing 38th Turkish Congress on Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (TEMHK) in Antalya, newly released research revealed a record surge in obesity rates in Türkiye, especially among men.

Professor Dr. Okan Bülent Yıldız, Secretary General of the Turkish Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, noted that in the past 33 years, the proportion of overweight men has jumped from 29% to 37%, while among women, the rate has risen from 30% to 38%.

Prof. Yıldız pointed out that obesity growth has plateaued in developed nations over the past decade, but in developing countries like Türkiye, the prevalence continues to rise steadily.

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