Obesity in Türkiye: A Growing Concern and the Need for Urgent Action
The recent publication of the 2025 Türkiye Health Survey by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) has revealed a concerning trend: the obesity rate in Türkiye has risen to 21.8%, a significant increase from 20.2% in 2022. This alarming statistic highlights the growing health challenges faced by the country's population, particularly in terms of physical activity, daily functioning, and overall well-being.
What makes this issue even more critical is the gender disparity in obesity rates. Women in Türkiye are more likely to be obese (24.8%) compared to men (18.7%), and the situation is even more concerning for pre-obese individuals, with 32.2% of women and 43.1% of men falling into this category. These figures underscore the need for targeted interventions and support programs to address the specific needs of women and men in managing their weight and improving their overall health.
One of the key factors contributing to the rising obesity rates is the low levels of physical activity among the population. In 2025, a staggering 86.6% of the population was not engaging in regular physical activity, with men showing a slight improvement (from 85.3% in 2022 to 83.5%) and women showing a slight decrease (from 92.7% to 89.7%). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, but only a small percentage of the population met this guideline, with 4.1% of men and 2.7% of women reporting 150-300 minutes of exercise weekly.
The survey also revealed the physical difficulties faced by the population, with difficulty climbing stairs being the most commonly reported issue, affecting 8.3% of women and 3.7% of men. Problems with learning or memory and difficulty walking were also prevalent, affecting 5.4% and 5.6% of women, respectively, and 2.8% and 2.8% of men. These findings highlight the impact of obesity on daily physical functioning and the need for comprehensive health interventions that address these specific challenges.
In terms of common illnesses, upper respiratory tract infections were the most prevalent among children aged 0-6, affecting 28.5% of the group, followed by diarrhea (24%) and lower respiratory tract infections (5.2%). For children aged 7-14, upper respiratory infections again ranked first (24.6%), followed by diarrhea (16.4%) and dental or oral health problems (8.2%). Among adults aged 15 and over, lower back problems were the most frequently reported long-term health issue, affecting 24.3% in 2025, with hypertension (16.9%), neck problems (16.7%), diabetes (11.9%), and high blood lipid levels (10.1%) also being common.
Another concerning trend is the increasing tobacco use among the population. The share of daily tobacco users aged 15 and over rose from 28.3% in 2022 to 30.1% in 2025, with men showing a higher rate (42.9%) compared to women (17.5%). This highlights the need for effective tobacco control measures and public health campaigns to reduce smoking rates and promote healthier lifestyles.
On a more positive note, preventive screenings among women have increased, with the rate of mammography use rising from 10.8% in 2022 to 16.7% in 2025. However, 42.4% of women in this age group reported never having had a mammogram, and 59% of women aged 15 and over had never undergone a smear test. These findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of preventive screenings and ensuring that women have access to these essential health services.
In conclusion, the rising obesity rate in Türkiye is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention and action. The survey's findings highlight the need for comprehensive health interventions that address physical activity, daily functioning, and overall well-being, with a particular focus on women and men's specific needs. Additionally, efforts to reduce tobacco use and promote preventive screenings are essential to improving public health outcomes and ensuring a healthier future for the country's population.
