The 6th Food and Healthy Nutrition Symposium, organized by TÜBA Food and Nutrition Working Group, was held at Lokman Hekim University in Ankara. (TÜBA) President Prof. Dr. In his speech at the opening of the symposium themed “Epidemic of the Century: Obesity”, Muzaffer Şeker said that this problem is seen seriously in the world, especially in societies with high welfare and income levels. Stating that new professions and new lifestyles make people bored and surrounded by city life, Şeker stated that in such an environment, people are faced with a serious epidemic obesity problem.
Şeker pointed out that providing reliable and healthy food globally, being a self-sufficient country and independence in food resources have become very valuable, and said:
“We have all seen how important all of these are during the Covid-19 epidemic. We continue to experience its consequences over the years. Especially with the food problem in Africa, which deepened in the process that emerged with the Russia-Ukraine War, the difficulties in accessing food and the drama in Gaza, people “It is clear that he does not respect the consumption of others as much as he cares about his own consumption.”
MESSAGE TO YOUTH WITH SYMPOSIUM
Stating that being a consumer society and turning to different food sources as a result of the production problem arising from eating habits, population imbalance and climate change are leading people towards turbulence, Şeker explained that human beings are stuck between healthy food and production concerns for consumption in the world.
Şeker said, “With this program we have prepared about obesity, we want to raise awareness and draw the attention of society, especially the younger generations, to a conscious level.” made his assessment.
“Türkiye IS FIRST IN EUROPE IN OBESITY”
TÜBA Principal Member, Food and Nutrition Working Group Executive and Fırat University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Kazim Şahin also stated that, according to World Health Organization data, there are more than 1.9 billion overweight or obese patients. Şahin said, “This number is estimated to exceed 4 billion in 2035.” he said.
Stating that the prevalence of obesity increases in the 30s and reaches the highest levels in the ages of 45-65, Şahin said that Turkey ranks first in Europe with a 32 percent obesity rate in adults over the age of 18.
Şahin pointed out that childhood obesity has become a serious health problem and said:
“Research conducted in Turkey reveals that one in every four children is overweight or obese. This can cause long-term negative effects on children’s health and lay the foundation for various chronic diseases in later ages. Therefore, it is important to prevent and control obesity. “It is of great importance to implement effective policies and programs at national and international levels.”
Following the opening speeches at the symposium, sessions titled “Obesity definition, causes and consequences”, “Medical nutrition treatment of obesity”, “Other treatment methods of obesity” and “Obesity and lifestyle habits” were held. (AA)
