Today, 32 percent of people aged 20 years and over suffer
from obesity. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2023 data, 55 percent of the
population in Turkey will have to struggle with obesity until 2035. Turkey is
currently the country where obesity is the most common among European
countries. Dietician Ece Geçili said, "We can prevent obesity by preparing
a healthy eating plan, portion control and avoiding processed foods."
Geçili continues as follows: "There are many health problems caused by
obesity. Insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, high blood
pressure, sleep apnoea, bone and joint health problems, depression, cancer risk
and many other diseases can be associated with obesity. Therefore, it is important to stay away from
obesity for a healthy life."
"The First Two Years After Birth
Are Important"
Dietician Ece Geçili say that the first two years after
birth is the most critical period. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity
and maintaining overweight during childhood can lead to obesity. One third of
school-age children are considered to be either overweight or obese. Body mass
index and waist circumference measurements are among the criteria that
determine the onset of obesity in children. All of these can be evaluated
together to determine the risk of obesity. In the treatment of obesity in
children, lifestyle changes are primarily recommended. These include adopting
healthier eating habits, regular physical activities and limiting screen time.
In addition, the support and education of families is an important factor in
the treatment of obesity in children. Finally, it is important for families to
adopt a more active lifestyle and for their children to adopt healthy eating
habits to prevent obesity in children. Preferring healthy options in school
canteens and meals prepared at home can also reduce the risk of obesity in
children.
What can be done against obesity?
Dietician
Ece Geçili listed the measures that can be taken against obesity:
1. Encouraging
healthy eating: Healthy eating can be encouraged in various ways such as
providing healthy nutrition education in schools, making healthy meals more
affordable, and offering healthy options in fast food chains.
2.Encouraging
physical activity: Physical activity can be encouraged by taking steps such as
opening sports areas in public places, increasing sports activities in schools,
encouraging the use of public transport and building walking paths.
3. Regular
health screenings: Regular health screenings can be carried out to determine
the obesity status of people and take necessary measures.
