Turkish Ministry of Health Tackles Obesity
Turkish Ministry of Health Tackles Obesity
The Turkish Ministry of Health has developed a structured system to monitor obesity cases and launched a nationwide campaign to combat the issue. As part of the initiative, around 10 million citizens registered in the family medicine system as "overweight" or "obese" received SMS invitations to visit Healthy Lifestyle Centers.
March 4, recognized worldwide as World Obesity Day, highlights the importance of raising awareness about obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Citizens are offered free consultations with dietitians and physiotherapists as part of the comprehensive national program.
📊 BMI Classification: "If a person's Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 30, they are considered overweight. A BMI above 30 is classified as obesity, and above 35 as morbid obesity," explained Dr. Muhammed Emin Demirkol, Director General of the Public Health Department.
Alarming Statistics
- 📈 66% of Turkey's population is overweight or obese
- ⚖️ One in four citizens classified as obese
- 🏥 6.5 million people identified by general practitioners with weight issues last year
- 📱 10 million citizens received SMS invitations
Experts note that a sedentary lifestyle, late-night meals, and high consumption of ready-made foods exacerbate the problem.
Health Risks
Obesity is closely linked to a range of chronic diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Certain types of cancer
This makes obesity a serious public health concern requiring urgent action.
Campaign: "Know Your Ideal Weight, Live Healthy"
The Ministry's campaign aims to raise awareness through direct engagement with citizens. People can now schedule appointments directly, expanding the previous model where referrals were only issued by family doctors. Turkey has around 350 Healthy Lifestyle Centers staffed with professional dietitians and physiotherapists.
Comprehensive Tracking System
For ongoing monitoring, a "Comprehensive Tracking" system has been introduced. Over 10 million citizens are monitored through family doctors, with district health authorities contacting those who have not yet visited the Healthy Lifestyle Centers.
🎯 Program Goal: "Our goal is not only to promote weight loss but also to ensure healthy and sustainable weight management. Citizens receive information, guidance, and invitations to access free services at nearby centers," emphasized Dr. Demirkol.
Key Initiatives
- ✅ SMS invitations to 10 million citizens
- ✅ Free consultations with dietitians and physiotherapists
- ✅ 350 Healthy Lifestyle Centers nationwide
- ✅ Comprehensive Tracking System for ongoing monitoring
- ✅ Direct appointment scheduling without family doctor referral
Turkish Ministry of Health | World Obesity Day | March 4, 2026
