WHERE IS TURKEY HEADED TO IN OBESITY?

It has been stated that overweight population made up 33%, and obese population made up 32% of overall population in Turkey, and the country was up against a serious health problem. Asst. Prof. Dr. Elem Kocaçal Güler, Lecturer at Department of Nursing at IUE, reported that the number of overweight people increased up to 2.3 billion and number of obese people increased to 700 million worldwide in 2015.
Güler stated that obesity was caused by prolonged inactivity due to TV and computer habits, lack of exercising, consuming too much fast food, etc. She said, “Children and youth are under great risk especially. Unhealthy eating habits developed during childhood may turn into significant problems during university period. Studies on eating habits of university students reveal that they opt for ready meals due to causes as skipping meals, lack of sleep, living alone, staying at a dormitory, etc. Many university cafeterias offering big portions or students preferring more practical and/or cheaper meals pave the way for obesity as well.”
‘Parents Should Set an Example’
Güler indicated that stomach disorders, cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon), hypertension, and diabetes were among the common health consequences of overweight and obesity, and she suggested that children adopted a way of life based on healthy eating, exercising, and parents set an example to their children.
‘Stay Away From Wrong Diets’
Güler also said that high school and university students experienced stressful times as they were getting ready for exams, and they opted for high calorie snacks as candies, chocolates, etc., thus resulting in gaining weight. Güler recommended the following:
“Children should be taught and encouraged about healthy eating starting form pre-school age. They should be encouraged about doing exercises based on their age and interests. Healthy eating education should focus on home-made meals instead of ready meals, not skipping meals, especially breakfast, eating a balanced diet from each nutrition group, not consuming to much carbonated drinks, or alcohols, and avoiding weight-loss products without a doctor’s recommendation, or wrong diets.”