Turkey ranks 42nd among 200 countries in obesity, which is a problem faced by more than 1 billion people in the world, for women and 60th for men. Obesity increases the risk of many serious health problems, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
According to World Health Organization data, Turkey ranks first in Europe with 66.8 percent. Turkey is followed by England with 63.7 percent, Greece with 62.3 percent, Spain with 61.6 percent and France with 59.5 percent.
“WARNING FROM EXPERTS”
According to the data of the Turkish Obesity Research Association (TOAD), the most obese city is Adana, while the fittest city is Erzurum. In Adana, where delicious food is available and the night dining culture is common, experts warned citizens to do sports.
“IT IS A VERY SERIOUS DISEASE”
Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Kuntay Kaplan stated that one in every three people in Turkey is obese and said, “Obesity has become a very serious public health problem, the frequency of which is increasing in the world and in our country. Unfortunately, it causes serious problems today.
We calculate this using body mass index parameters. We are talking about obesity when the body mass index is between 18.5-25, normal weight, and 25-30 is in the overweight group, and when it exceeds 30. “Between 30 and 35 are classified as Class 1, between 35 and 40 are classified as Class 2, and over 40 are now classified as Class 3 obesity,” he said.
“REGULAR NUTRITION AND SPORTS FIRST”
Emphasizing that obesity invites many diseases, Dr. Kaplan said, “Unfortunately, there are many diseases accompanied by obesity. The most common diseases it causes are hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and cancer. By treating obesity, we protect our patients from these diseases. In obesity, we first recommend regular nutrition and exercise. “If we cannot find a solution, we turn to surgery,” he said.