Turkey's Health Ministry is aiming to reduce one of Europe's highest obesity rates, according to the WHO. And how is the public responding to the government's unusual push for a healthier, slimmer lifestyle?
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00:01These people are being publicly weighed.
00:04It's part of a nationwide campaign, launched in mid-May, to tackle obesity in Turkey.
00:10The country's health ministry has sent doctors and dieticians to busy streets and squares
00:16to measure citizens' height, weight and calculate their body mass index, or BMI.
00:22My results are good. I eat a Mediterranean diet. I don't gain weight easily.
00:29Mine's a bit above the limit. I'll be more careful from now on.
00:33When you see it like this, at least you become more aware. I will fix it.
00:37People with BMI values of 25 and above are referred to health centers,
00:42where they can receive free nutritional counseling and follow-up care.
00:46This isn't just about losing weight. It's also about reducing diseases.
00:50Losing weight helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart attacks.
00:55That's the main goal of our project.
00:57According to the WHO's European regional data, Turkey is at the top in terms of adults who are overweight or obese,
01:07with nearly 70 percent affected.
01:09Unhealthy food and a lack of physical activity are among the main causes, doctors say.
01:15Turkey's weighing campaign is voluntary but has drawn some criticism for fat-shaming overweight people
01:22and overlooking the country's broader economic struggles, like soaring food prices.
01:27Eating healthy is kind of expensive in this country nowadays.
01:33When you say eat healthier like fruits and vegetables, those are more expensive.
01:37But the more accessible fast food style, things are cheaper, more convenient.
01:41Turkey's health ministry hopes its campaign will reach 10 million citizens within two months
01:48and help raise awareness about the dangers of obesity while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
01:53Turkey's health ministry is a healthy lifestyle.