Major move by the Ministry of Health against obesity: Experts warn

The Ministry of Health has launched a new practice simultaneously in 81 provinces as part of the fight against obesity. Individuals who are overweight will be identified through height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) measurements and referred to Healthy Life Centers and Family Health Centers. The Ministry aims to reach 10 million people with this program. However, according to experts, the cornerstones of the system need to be reviewed to achieve this goal.

'SUCCESS WILL NOT COME WITH MEASUREMENT ALONE'

Stating that the fight against obesity has not only individual but also social, environmental, and structural dimensions, Specialist Dietitian Elif Melek Avcı Dursun says that the program is a correct step but will not be sufficient:

'Field measurements and referrals are important, but they are not enough for a lasting impact. The way to prevent obesity lies in nutrition education, behavior change programs, environmental regulations, and healthy food policies. Otherwise, such practices cannot go beyond a short-term momentum.'

'DIETITIANS ARE LEFT OUT OF THE SYSTEM'

Emphasizing that the most important role in the fight against obesity in Turkey belongs to dietitians, Avcı Dursun expresses the biggest deficiency in the system with these words: 'There is almost no dietitian employment in state staff. The number of graduates increases every year, but appointments are insufficient. Most graduates are forced to work in the free market for low wages. However, for this program to succeed, dietitians must definitely be in the field.'

'CHEAP FOOD IS UNHEALTHY FOOD'

Stating that agricultural and food policies also pave the way for obesity, the dietitian notes that access to healthy food is becoming more difficult every day: 'The prices of local and natural products are very high. Ultra-processed, high-calorie, but low-nutrient products are cheap and everywhere. In this environment, it is not enough to just tell individuals to 'eat healthy'; change at the policy level is essential.'

'PUBLIC NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE IS INSUFFICIENT'

Stating that the society suffers from a major lack of knowledge regarding nutrition, Avcı Dursun says that healthy nutrition education should be included in the curriculum starting from the primary school level. She also states that misinformation circulating on social media and the perception that 'dietitian = weight loss specialist' is a serious problem.

'THIS FIGHT CANNOT PROCEED WITHOUT FIVE BASIC STEPS'

The Specialist Dietitian states that steps must be taken in the following five areas for the fight against obesity to be effective:

1. Dietitian staff positions must be increased.
2. The quality of dietetic education must be raised, and an accreditation system must be established.
3. Agricultural and food policies that facilitate access to healthy food must be developed.
4. Nutrition literacy must be increased, and awareness campaigns must be launched.
5. Dietitians must play an active role in field projects.

'This program is promising, but a holistic view is essential for it to be sustainable and effective. Otherwise, it cannot go beyond being a short-term initiative.'

News Source: 12punto