Türkiye leads Europe in obesity as experts warn of worsening crisis by 2050
Obesity rates surge in Türkiye as economic barriers limit access to healthy food. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Türkiye has the highest obesity rate in Europe, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) data.
The percentage of overweight individuals in the country has reached 66.8%, while 32.1% of the adult population is classified as obese. Experts link this trend to rising fast-food consumption, economic barriers to accessing healthy food, and urbanization reducing physical activity levels.
Dr. Alihan Oral, an internal medicine specialist, warned about the health risks of obesity on World Obesity Day. “If you do not gain weight or lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle, you have a chance to keep diseases away from your life. Lose weight, find health,” he said. Obesity leads to serious health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer.
A study by DAHUDER Obesity Research Group examined health data from more than 10,000 obese individuals across 20 provinces. The findings showed that 35% had diabetes, 54% had hypertension, 75% suffered from fatty liver disease, and 79% had high cholesterol levels. These figures prove that obesity is not just a personal lifestyle choice but a significant public health issue.
Obesity crisis grows worldwide, raising health risks in Türkiye
New research published in The Lancet states that by 2050, 60% of the world’s adult population and 31% of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese. This projection translates to 3.8 billion adults and 746 million young people. In 1990, 731 million adults and 198 million young people were overweight or obese.
The research shows that obesity does not affect all regions equally. More than half of overweight and obese adults live in just eight countries: China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt.
Among high-income nations, the United States, Chile, and Argentina are expected to have the highest obesity rates by 2050. In Europe, Greece is projected to have the highest obesity rates among women (48%) and men (41%).
Researchers say that without urgent policy changes, obesity-related health problems will rise further. Obesity among young people is expected to increase by 121% by 2050, with 360 million children becoming obese. The report states that obesity already causes 1.6 million premature deaths annually due to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and strokes.
Economic, social factors driving obesity in Türkiye
Experts outline multiple reasons behind Türkiye’s obesity crisis. Record-high food inflation makes it difficult for low-income households to afford nutritious meals. Many people turn to cheap, processed foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Urbanization has also cut opportunities for physical activity, with fewer green spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Dr. Salih Can Celik, a gastroenterology surgeon, emphasized that obesity is a chronic disease that requires proper medical attention. “Obesity directly affects an individual’s quality of life. It should not be ignored,” he said.
He explained that genetic predisposition, poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress all contribute to the condition. While surgical interventions such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy work for some patients, long-term solutions must focus on lifestyle changes and preventive healthcare.
Experts urge action to fight obesity through stronger policies in Türkiye
Health experts insist that tackling obesity requires government policies, not just individual efforts. Many European countries have introduced subsidies for healthy food, mandatory nutrition education for children, and urban planning that prioritizes walking and cycling infrastructure. Türkiye has yet to implement similar large-scale strategies.
Johanna Ralston, CEO of the World Obesity Federation, called for immediate action. “We cannot solve this issue by treatment alone. Prevention is just as critical. We must implement multiple strategies simultaneously,” she said. The organization is pushing for stricter food labeling regulations, taxation on unhealthy food products, and improved healthcare services for obesity treatment.
Kopenhag University’s Professor Thorkild Sorensen warned of the growing crisis. “The obesity crisis has reached such a scale that we need fundamental changes in global public health policies,” he said.
Türkiye’s obesity crisis presents a serious public health challenge that could intensify in the coming decades. Experts warn that without large-scale interventions, Türkiye’s healthcare system will face increasing pressure, affecting millions and causing major economic strain.
