Minister Memişoğlu has women on his agenda again: First natural birth, now weight!

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu, who was previously at the center of debates over 'cesarean section versus natural birth' issues, has announced a notable public health campaign as part of the fight against obesity.

With the initiative launched simultaneously by the Ministry in 81 provinces, free height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) measurements will be conducted in squares, parks, gardens, event areas, and other public locations where citizens are frequently present.

OVERWEIGHT INDIVIDUALS TO BE DIRECTED TO HEALTH CENTERS

Minister Memişoğlu stated in a post on social media that they aim to reach 10 million people with this practice. Individuals whose BMI values are found to be above healthy limits will be directed to Healthy Life Centers and Family Health Centers.

These individuals will receive nutritional counseling under the guidance of dietitians and will be included in regular follow-up programs.

CAMPAIGN TO CONTINUE UNTIL JULY 10

Memişoğlu said, “Our campaign, which will be carried out between May 10 and July 10, 2025, is an important step toward protecting public health.” The field applications aim to create awareness through one-on-one contact.

Additionally, informational brochures promoting healthy living will be distributed in event areas, and training will be provided to citizens.

While the program is being carried out by Provincial Health Directorates under the coordination of the Ministry of Health, the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), the Turkish Green Crescent (Yeşilay), and various non-governmental organizations will also be actively involved in the process. Minister Memişoğlu stated that these collaborations will play a critical role in reinforcing healthy living habits in society.

In his statement, the Minister used the following expressions:

“Our primary goal is to create awareness about the harms of excess weight to the body and to spread a culture of healthy living. We are working to reach a society that protects its health before getting sick, through our educational programs that will increase the level of health literacy and our measurement practices spread across the field.”