Two out of every three adults in Turkey are overweight, shows WHO report

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Over the past half century, obesity rates in Europe have increased by 138 percent and caused 1.2 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) European Regional Obesity Report 2022.

Some 59 percent of the adults and one-third of the children in Europe are either overweight or obese, the report showed.

The share of overweight and obese adults in the population is 66.8 percent in Turkey, higher than any other country in the report. The share of people with obesity in the country's adult population is 32.1 percent.

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Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said, "Obesity knows no borders. In Europe and Central Asia, no single country is going to meet the WHO Global NCD target of halting the rise of obesity.

"The countries in our region are incredibly diverse, but every one is challenged to some degree. By creating environments that are more enabling, promoting investment and innovation in health, and developing strong and resilient health systems, we can change the trajectory of obesity in the Region.

The following policies have shown promise in reducing levels of obesity and overweight, according to the report:

• The implementation of fiscal interventions (such as taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages or subsidies for healthy foods);
• Restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children;
• Improvement of access to obesity and overweight management services in primary health care, as part of universal health coverage;
• Efforts to improve diet and physical activity across the life course, including preconception and pregnancy care, promotion of breastfeeding, school-based interventions, and interventions to create environments that improve the accessibility and affordability of healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity. (AEK/VK)