A new era in obesity treatment

A new regulation prepared to make treatment processes in the fight against obesity safer, more scientific, and more systematic has entered into force. Treatment standards have been redefined with the "Regulation on Obesity Units and Obesity Surgery Practice Units" issued by the Ministry of Health.

The new regulation aims to strengthen non-surgical treatment methods, monitor clinical success indicators, and increase patient safety.

MEDICAL TREATMENT HAS BECOME MANDATORY FIRST

Within the scope of the regulation, the principle of "diet, lifestyle change, and medical treatment first" will now be applied as a fundamental rule in all obesity centers. Patients will first undergo changes to their lifestyle and nutritional habits, and psychological and behavioral support will be provided.

Surgical intervention will only be performed on patients who are clinically deemed necessary and meet the established criteria. Thus, a personalized, phased, and holistic treatment process will be carried out for each individual.

CENTER PERFORMANCE WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED

With the new regulation, not only the physical adequacy of the centers but also the quality of treatment and success rates will be brought under supervision. Clinical performance will be evaluated based on established quality indicators.

Based on the results obtained, centers will be classified as "sufficient," "partially sufficient," or "insufficient." Centers found to be "partially sufficient" will be required to make improvements, while the operations of those found "insufficient" may be suspended. Thus, both clinical quality and patient safety in obesity treatment will be reinforced.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR OBESITY SURGERY EXPANDED

According to the legislation, obesity surgery could only be performed by general surgery specialists who hold an "Obesity Surgery Practice Certificate" issued by the Ministry of Health. With the new regulation, pediatric surgery specialists have also been included in this scope.

Physicians who wish to obtain the aforementioned certificate are required to complete a certain amount of case experience, undergo defined training processes, and be evaluated by the "Obesity Surgery Approval Commission."

MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM AND DIGITAL TRACKING ERA

The new regulation mandates the formation of multidisciplinary teams in every obesity center, consisting of dietitians, psychologists, physiotherapists, nurses, and relevant specialist physicians.

Furthermore, all treatment processes will be recorded through electronic systems, and annual performance evaluations will be conducted. Thus, treatment effectiveness will be tracked digitally, and clinical success data will become comparable across the country.

With this regulation, the Ministry of Health aims to strengthen non-surgical treatment approaches, ensure uniformity of practice based on scientific guidelines, and establish a patient-centered oversight structure.

News Source: İHA