Two-thirds of the participants in a national health campaign held in Turkey were classified as overweight or obese, the Turkish Ministry of Health reported.
According to information from the Ministry of Health, after calculating the body mass index, it was found that 36 percent of the 1.1 million people included in the campaign were overweight, and 28 percent were obese. Only 32 percent were of normal weight, and 4 percent weighed less than normal.
42 percent of men are overweight, while 30 percent of women are overweight. However, women are ahead of men in terms of obesity. It affected 32 percent of women, and nearly 24 percent of men.
The Ministry of Health recalls that in family health centers, as well as in health centers, people can receive free advice on their nutrition. The campaign, which will be carried out through them, starts on June 10 and should cover 10 million people.
And while the government presents measures to combat obesity, critics are accusing them. According to them, they should analyze the socio-economic reasons that led to this situation, including the sharp increase in food prices and limited access to fruits, vegetables and proteins.
Inflation in Turkey rose sharply in 2019, and in 2022 reached its peak of 85.5 percent. Currently, it is 35 percent.
The rising cost of living has made it difficult for people to meet their basic needs such as food, housing costs and healthcare, the site notes.