Turkey Faces Growing Obesity Epidemic Amid Economic Challenges

⁣ ⁣ ⁣ updated June 01, 2025

Turkey is grappling ‍with a significant public health crisis as obesity rates surge, particularly among children. With 66.8% ⁢of the population overweight⁢ or obese,⁣ Turkey⁤ holds the highest rate in Europe,‍ according to a 2022 World Health institution report. the nation‍ is also experiencing one of ⁤the most rapid increases in obesity among high-income countries.

Experts attribute this rise in obesity to⁣ a combination of⁤ factors, including inadequate⁣ nutrition, social inequality, and the prevalence of unhealthy food options. By 2030, projections indicate that one in three people ⁣in Turkey, approximately 27 million individuals, ⁤will ⁤be⁤ obese.

Poverty researcher Hacer Foggo connects the growing number of obese children ⁣to extreme poverty, noting that malnutrition can lead to both stunted growth and obesity. She cited a study indicating that a majority of Turkish children‍ primarily⁤ consume bread and pasta.

Food researcher Bulent Sik points ⁤to the⁢ increased consumption of processed foods‍ and sugary drinks as a key driver of child obesity. He also raised concerns about toxic chemicals in food production, such as pesticides, which can disrupt hormones and contribute to weight gain.

In response, Turkey’s Health Ministry has initiated a⁢ nationwide campaign, offering health checks in public spaces to identify and support overweight ‍individuals. The campaign aims to reach 10 ‍million people within two⁤ months, promoting awareness ⁣and healthy lifestyles.

However, the ministry’s efforts have faced ⁤criticism for potentially stigmatizing overweight individuals and⁣ for not adequately addressing the underlying economic issues that ‍contribute to the problem. Critics argue that healthy foods⁤ are often more expensive and less accessible to low-income families, leading to ⁢nutritional imbalances.

Sik emphasized the need for political decision-makers to implement effective solutions, including regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods. Both Sik and ⁣Foggo advocate for a nationwide free school meal program to⁢ address malnutrition and promote⁣ healthier eating habits among ⁤children.

⁢ “the increasing consumption⁤ of cheap, easily accessible snacks and sugary soft drinks is directly tied ⁤to the rise in⁢ obesity,” Bulent Sik said.

⁤ ‍ “In the parliament’s⁢ protocols,⁣ you can see that the‍ Health Ministry has recognized the problem⁢ and sees that school meals are the solution. ⁣But not ⁢a single step has⁢ been taken,” said Hacer Foggo.

What’s next

Looking ahead,‍ Turkey needs complete ‍strategies to combat the obesity epidemic. This includes⁣ addressing food price inflation,regulating unhealthy food production,and ensuring access to affordable,nutritious food for all citizens. A focus⁤ on ⁣preventative measures, such as promoting healthy eating habits from a young age, is⁣ also crucial.