The danger is growing: Turkey ranks first in Europe for female obesity

Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Burak Bilbay shared evaluations regarding OECD reports and World Health Organization data. Bilbay stated that it is projected that approximately 1.9 billion people worldwide will struggle with obesity by 2035.

Drawing attention to the rise in obesity rates in Turkey, Bilbay said, "Our obesity rate, which was 8.6 percent in 1975, rose to 32.1 percent in 2016; this means an increase of more than 4 times in forty years. Even more frightening is that 84 out of every 100 thousand deaths in Turkey are reported to be related to obesity; this rate is almost twice the global average. According to World Health Organization projections, if no measures are taken, half of Turkish women and one-third of men will be obese by 2030. These figures are not a warning to us, they are sounding the alarm."

STRIKING DATA ON OBESITY

Stating that obesity should not be considered merely as a weight problem, Bilbay said, "Obesity is no longer just a weight issue; it is a serious chronic disease that affects the heart, kidneys, joints, and metabolism. Turkey has become the country with the highest obesity rate among women in Europe. This situation makes new-generation treatments both an opportunity and a great responsibility," he said.

STATEMENT ON NEW-GENERATION TREATMENTS

Stating that new methods have come to the fore in obesity treatment in recent years, Bilbay said, "New-generation treatments with the active ingredients semaglutide and tirzepatide regulate appetite by mimicking the body's own satiety hormones and support blood sugar control and cardiovascular health. In clinical studies, it was observed that those using semaglutide lost approximately 15 percent of their body weight within 16 months."

Stating that these drugs are not suitable for everyone, Bilbay said, "These treatments are considered for individuals with a body mass index of 30 and above, or those with a BMI of 27 and above who have accompanying diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. Products obtained through social media or illicit channels may be counterfeit and carry life-threatening risks."

“LIFESTYLE HABITS ARE IMPORTANT FOR PERMANENT RESULTS”

Stating that the treatment process is not limited to medication use, Bilbay said, "It is not possible to achieve permanent results without adequate protein intake, regular strength training, quality sleep, and stress management. Otherwise, some of the weight lost may be lost as muscle instead of fat; this paves the way for the metabolism to slow down even further in the long run."

Touching on the importance of a holistic approach in the fight against obesity, Bilbay said, "Correct treatment requires the combination of body composition analysis, laboratory evaluation, personalized nutrition and exercise planning, and medical follow-up. No drug offers a permanent solution on its own; the essential thing is to evaluate the patient as a whole and manage the process with scientific discipline. The journey of healthy weight loss requires patience, science, and consistent follow-up. Being slow, steady, and sustainable is both the safest and most permanent path in the long run. Obesity progresses silently; but the marks it leaves are not silent."

News Source: İHA