World Obesity Day is an international special day celebrated every year on March 4. This day aims to raise awareness among individuals, society and decision-makers about combating and preventing obesity.
Obesity (Anadolu Ajansı)
Purpose
The primary goal of World Obesity Day is to raise awareness about obesity and excess weight in society, promote healthy lifestyle habits and provide information about health risks associated with obesity. This special day promotes healthy eating, regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits, while also providing an opportunity to raise awareness about the health problems caused by obesity. Furthermore, it aims to highlight childhood obesity and its effects on young people, raising awareness among all segments of society about preventive measures.
Significance
Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.” Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 are considered overweight, and those over 30 are classified as obese. Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, and respiratory illnesses.
Globally, the rapid increase in obesity has turned it into a major public health issue. According to the 2021 WHO report, approximately 1 billion people are projected to live with obesity by 2030. The 2023 World Obesity Federation report indicates that in 2020, one in seven people was obese, and if preventive measures are not implemented, half of the world population may be overweight or obese by 2035. Childhood obesity is rising even faster, with one in eleven children obese in 2020, and an estimated 400 million children expected to be obese by 2035.【1】
History and Observances
World Obesity Day is observed internationally to create awareness. In Türkiye, the Ministry of Health and 81 Provincial Health Directorates organize events annually on March 4, providing public education and information according to annual themes. For example, in 2024, the themes included “Eat Healthy, Exercise, Stay at a Healthy Weight” and “Let's Talk about Obesity and Youth/Old Age/Exercise.” Globally, in 2024, UNICEF, the WHO and the World Obesity Federation held a youth-focused webinar, enabling young people to share how obesity affects their lives and voice their recommendations for global change.
Obesity Prevention Programs in Türkiye
Since 2010, Türkiye has implemented the "Türkiye Healthy Nutrition and Active Life Program Adult and Childhood Obesity Prevention and Physical Activity Action Plan", which has been updated over time. Additional initiatives such as the “Türkiye Diabetes Program” and the “Türkiye Excessive Salt Consumption Reduction Program” contribute to promoting healthy nutrition and combating obesity.
Prevention and Protection Against Obesity
Preventing obesity and related chronic diseases is possible through healthy nutrition habits and increased physical activity. From an early age, it is essential to maintain a BMI of 20.0–24.9 kg/m² and sustain a healthy body weight. Recommendations include diverse nutrition, including all food groups in meals, sufficient water intake, limited total and saturated fat, reduced sugar consumption, and substituting high-glycemic foods with lower-glycemic alternatives. Increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, eating fish at least twice a week, daily intake of 2–3 glasses of milk or yogurt, limiting processed foods, and using healthy cooking methods are advised. Salt intake should be limited, iodized salt should be used, daily fluid intake should be sufficient, caffeine intake moderated, regular meal routines established, and late-night eating avoided. Physical activity should be promoted, with adults performing at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, and children engaging in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily.
Treatment of Obesity
Obesity treatment may include medical nutrition therapy, exercise, behavioral changes, medication, and surgical interventions. Treatment plans are individualized based on age, sex, physiological status, and dietary habits. Successful treatment is delivered by a multidisciplinary team integrating diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications. Individuals can access nutrition and obesity counseling through District Health Directorates, Community Health Centers, and Healthy Life Centers.
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