The Obesity Academy, which was established last year to support Turkey’s fight against obesity, drew attention to the dangerous increase in obesity in its statement on March 4, World Obesity Day. In the statement of the Obesity Academy, “Obesity was already increasing at a dangerous level. With the effect of the pandemic, the increase in people’s tendency to gain weight has accelerated. Obesity national action plan should be implemented urgently.
The Obesity Academy, which was implemented by the Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Society (TEMD) and the Turkish Obesity Research Association (TOAD) with the unconditional support of Novo Nordisk Turkey, drew attention to the dangerous increase in obesity in a statement on March 4, World Obesity Day, and stated that the national action plan prepared in this regard stressed the need for immediate implementation.
OBESITY IS A PREVENTABLE CHRONIC DISEASE
One of the founders of the Obesity Academy, TEMD Obesity Working Group President Prof. Dr. In the statement, Fahri Bayram drew attention to the fact that obesity is spreading to the whole society in Turkey as well as in the world and is one of the leading diseases that threaten life. prof. Dr. Bayram said, “However, obesity is a chronic, preventable disease that must be treated. However, healthcare professionals and the general public tend to view obesity more as a cosmetic problem than a disease. This is one of the most important obstacles in the fight against obesity.
prof. Dr. Fahri Bayram gave the following views in the statement:
“Obesity is now increasing, even in our children and young people. Obesity is the root cause of many diseases, especially diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, sudden death, stroke and blood pressure. If we treat obesity, we will cure these diseases. “The associated treatment costs also impose a huge burden on the economy, so it is much more important to prevent obesity before treatment.”
OBESITY: THE PANDEMIC OF OUR AGES
One of the founders of the Obesity Academy, which operates to support Turkey’s fight against obesity, TOAD Vice President Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı emphasized that according to the data of the World Health Organization, there are 650 million people with obesity in the world and more than 20 million in Turkey. prof. Dr. Yazıcı made the following comments in his statement:
“Obesity is not just a disease caused by an eating disorder. Environmental, genetic, psychological factors, lifestyle and medications can also cause obesity. The simplest method to diagnose overweight or obesity is to find the Body Mass Index (BMI) by dividing the body weight (kg) by the square of the height (m2). If this value is 25-29.9kg/m2, it means overweight, if it is over 30kg/m2, it means an obese individual. With the Calculate your BMI campaign initiated by TOAD, everyone can take their precautions by learning their BMI.”
Making the warning of the “pandemic of our age” for obesity, Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı said, “Obesity was already a serious public health problem before COVID-19, but if measures are not taken with the negative effects of this period, the rate of spread of obesity will increase even more and it will become a pandemic of our age.”
Pointing out that COVID-19 is more severe in obese individuals, Prof. The printer continued:
“One of the most damaging side effects of the pandemic was the inability to manage weight well during the stay at home. According to a study conducted by the IPSOS research company, 42 of the adults participating in the study from Turkey stated that they gained weight since the pandemic began. It turned out that among these people, an average of 6.1 kilograms was gained. The average BMI of approximately 22,500 people who participated in the ‘No One Who Doesn’t Know Their BMI’ campaign, which we, as TOAD, have been running since the beginning of the year, was 28.9. In other words, it has been proven once again that we are overweight as a society.
We all have a role to play in the fight against obesity. Obesity future National action plans need to be put into effect urgently.”
WE ALL HAVE A HUGE DUTIES IN FIGHTING OBESITY
Unconditional supporter of the Obesity Academy, Novo Nordisk Vice President and Turkey General Manager Dr. Burak Cem stated that Novo Nordisk focuses on improving human life with treatments that shape the future and said:
“Managed by the world’s largest foundation, Novo Nordisk was established with a lofty goal and with this goal, it improves the lives of approximately 33 million patients every year and acts with an innovative perspective, focusing on development. Our global mission; To defeat diabetes and change obesity, one of the biggest health problems of the 21st century, with our biotechnological products, global collaborations and treatments that shape the future.
The 2021 life-saving molecule Insulin marks a historic milestone. Having the honor of working for a company built on the legacy of this molecule, we are determined to do whatever we can to combat the growing obesity that threatens our society.
It is pleasing to see that the Obesity Academy has taken important steps in the fight against obesity. We all have a great responsibility to raise awareness about obesity. There are very important precautions to be taken.
The Covid-19 pandemic will pass, but the danger of diabetes and obesity pandemics continues to grow. For this reason, first of all, it is necessary to raise awareness of the public about the fight against obesity. As Novo Nordisk, we cooperate strongly in this field and support important projects.”
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
