• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:15+
Area covered:National
References:Türkiye Health Survey 2022
Notes:Survey includes some modules proposed by European Statistical Office (Eurostat).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Data available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2018-2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:6362
Area covered:National
References:Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies. (2019). 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, T.R. Presidency of Turkey Directorate of Strategy and Budget and TÜBİTAK, Ankara, Turkey http://www.hips.hacettepe.edu.tr/eng/tdhs2018/TDHS_2018_main_report.pdf (Last accessed 18.05.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:15+
Sample size:6053
Area covered:National
References:National Household Health Survey – Prevalence of Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors in Turkey 2017 (STEPS). Üner S, Balcılar M, Ergüder T editors. World Health Organization Country Office in Turkey, Ankara, 2018.
Notes:STEPS 2017
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:15+
Area covered:National
References:Turkish Health Survey 2019 Report. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Turkey-Health-Survey-2019-33661 (Accessed 24.04.2023)
Notes:The survey includes modules proposed by European Statistical Office (Eurostat). The 2019 report includes trend data for 2008-2019.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2012

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:15+
Area covered:National
References:Turkish Health Survey 2019 Report. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Turkey-Health-Survey-2019-33661 (Accessed 24.04.2023)
Notes:The survey includes modules proposed by European Statistical Office (Eurostat). The 2019 report includes trend data for 2008-2019.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2011

Survey type:Measured
Age:15+
Sample size:16830
Area covered:National
References:Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors Survey in Turkey. Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health 2013.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2008

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:15+
Area covered:National
References:Turkish Health Survey 2019 Report. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Turkey-Health-Survey-2019-33661 (Accessed 24.04.2023)
Notes:The survey includes modules proposed by European Statistical Office (Eurostat). The 2019 report includes trend data for 2008-2019.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2001-2002

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
Sample size:5016
Area covered:Regional
References:Erem C, Arslan C, Hacihasanoglu A, Deger Orhan, Topbas M, Ukinc K, Esoz HO, & Telatar M. Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors in a Turkish Population (Trabzon City, Turkey). Obesity Research 2004;12:1117-1127
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1999-2000

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:8674
Area covered:National
References:Delibasi, T., Karaaslan, Y., Ustun, I. et al. National prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in Turkey: cross sectional study of a representative adult population. cent.eur.j.med 2, 294–303 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11536-007-0024-4
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 1993

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:2401
Area covered:National
References:Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252
Notes:The data from this paper was sourced from the Demographic Health Survey Programme https://dhsprogram.com/ Central Statistical Office and Macro International. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Central Statistical Office and Macro International
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2016-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:7
Sample size:9281
Area covered:National
References:WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI): report on the fourth round of data collection, 2015–2017. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2012-2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:7-8
Sample size:4951
Area covered:National
References:Spinelli et al (2019). 'Childhood Severe Obesity in Europe', Obes Facts.12, pp. 244–258. (Data from COSI round 1-3)
Notes:COSI III included IOTF cut-offs used.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:8-12
Sample size:1746
Area covered:Regional
References:Agirbasli, M., Adabag, S. and Ciliv, G. (2011), Secular trends of blood pressure, body mass index, lipids and fasting glucose among children and adolescents in Turkey. Clinical Obesity, 1: 161–167. doi: 10.1111/j.1758-8111.2012.00033.x
Notes:Urban IOTF International Cut Off Point NB. Combined child data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 20.11.20)
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2001

Survey type:Measured
Age:12-17
Sample size:989
Area covered:Regional
References:Öner N, Vatansever Ü, Sari A, Ekuklu G, Karaslihoglu S and Boris NW. (2004). Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in Turkish adolescents. Swiss Med Weekly, 134: 529 - 533.
Notes:IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by age and education

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by education

Women, 2018-2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:6362
Area covered:National
References:Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies. (2019). 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, T.R. Presidency of Turkey Directorate of Strategy and Budget and TÜBİTAK, Ankara, Turkey http://www.hips.hacettepe.edu.tr/eng/tdhs2018/TDHS_2018_main_report.pdf (Last accessed 18.05.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:Total sample size in EU = 35100 (Age 18+) Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:Total sample size in EU = 35100 (Age 18+) Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2008

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:EUROSTAT Database http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/health/health-status-determinants/data/database# (last accessed 17th July 2015)
Notes:Definitions are: levels 0-2 = pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education levels 3-4 = upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education levels 5-6 = first and second stage of tertiary education
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2012-2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:7-8
Sample size:4337
Area covered:National
References:Spinelli et al (2019). 'Childhood Severe Obesity in Europe', Obes Facts.12, pp. 244–258. (Data from COSI round 1-3)
Notes:WHO cut-offs used. Based on Mother's education level.
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-16
Sample size:1348
Area covered:Regional
References:Discigil, G., Tekin, N. and Soylemez, A. (2009), Obesity in Turkish children and adolescents: prevalence and non-nutritional correlates in an urban sample. Child: Care, Health and Development, 35: 153–158. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2008.00919.x
Notes:Region - Western Anatolia. Prevalence of overweight and obesity by Paternal Education. The Centres for Disease Control 2000 growth charts for children and adolescents were used to identify BMI percentiles. BMI between 85th and 95th percentile was defined as overweight and BMI at or above 95th percentile was defined as obesity (Himes & Dietz 1994).
Cutoffs:CDC

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2018-2019

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:6362
Area covered:National
References:Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies. (2019). 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, T.R. Presidency of Turkey Directorate of Strategy and Budget and TÜBITAK, Ankara, Turkey.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1999-2000

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:8674
Area covered:National
References:Delibasi, T., Karaaslan, Y., Ustun, I. et al. National prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in Turkey: cross sectional study of a representative adult population. cent.eur.j.med 2, 294–303 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11536-007-0024-4
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2008

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:1735
Area covered:National
References:Agirbasli M, Adabag S, Ciliv G. Secular trends of blood pressure, body mass index, lipids and fasting glucose among children and adolescents in Turkey. 2012 Clinical Obesity 1, 161-167. doi:10.1111/j.1758-8111.2012.00033.x
Notes:The paper suggests that overweight includes obesity, therefore obesity has been subtracted from the overweight figures.
Cutoffs:Other

Overweight/obesity by region

Women, 2018-2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:6362
Area covered:National
References:Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies. (2019). 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, T.R. Presidency of Turkey Directorate of Strategy and Budget and TÜBITAK, Ankara, Turkey.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1999-2000

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:8674
Area covered:National
References:Delibasi, T., Karaaslan, Y., Ustun, I. et al. National prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in Turkey: cross sectional study of a representative adult population. cent.eur.j.med 2, 294–303 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11536-007-0024-4
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by age and socio-economic group

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat - Socio economic - http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat - Socio economic - http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat - Socio economic - http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Women, 2018-2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:6362
Area covered:National
References:Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies. (2019). 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, T.R. Presidency of Turkey Directorate of Strategy and Budget and TÜBİTAK, Ankara, Turkey http://www.hips.hacettepe.edu.tr/eng/tdhs2018/TDHS_2018_main_report.pdf (Last accessed 18.05.21)
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat - Socio economic - http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat - Socio economic - http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2008

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:EUROSTAT Database http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/health/health-status-determinants/data/database# (last accessed 17th July 2015)
Notes:SES assessed by annual income. Insufficient data for 1st & 2nd quintile in females.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-16
Sample size:1348
Area covered:Regional - Western Anatolia.
References:Discigil, G., Tekin, N. and Soylemez, A. (2009), Obesity in Turkish children and adolescents: prevalence and non-nutritional correlates in an urban sample. Child: Care, Health and Development, 35: 153–158. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2008.00919.x
Notes:Prevalence of overweight and obesity by socio-economic status. The Centres for Disease Control 2000 growth charts for children and adolescents were used to identify BMI percentiles. BMI between 85th and 95th percentile was defined as overweight and BMI at or above 95th percentile was defined as obesity (Himes & Dietz 1994).
Cutoffs:CDC

Overweight/obesity by age and limited activity

Adults, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Insufficient physical activity

Adults, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Men, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Women, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Children, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption

Children, 2010-2014

Survey type:Measured
References:World Health Organization. (2017). Adolescent obesity and related behaviours: Trends and inequalities in the who european region, 2002-2014: observations from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) WHO collaborative cross-national study (J. Inchley, D. Currie, J. Jewel, J. Breda, & V. Barnekow, Eds.). World Health Organization. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org
Notes:15-year-old adolescents
Definitions:Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption (% of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption)

Estimated per capita fruit intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day)

Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption

Children, 2010-2014

Survey type:Measured
References:Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system
Definitions:Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption)

Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption

Children, 2010-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:12-17
References:Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system
Definitions:Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption)

Estimated per-capita processed meat intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day)

Estimated per capita whole grains intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day)

Mental health - depression disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with depression disorders

Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with anxiety disorders

% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months

Children, 1996-2019

Area covered:National
References:2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, T.R. Presidency of Turkey Directorate of Strategy and Budget and TÜBİTAK, Ankara, Turkey.
Notes:See UNICEF website for further survey information. Available at : https://data.unicef.org/resources/dataset/infant-young-child-feeding/ (last accessed 28.9.21) Citation: United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2021). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding, New York, September 2021.
Definitions:% exclusively breastfed 0-5 months

Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2361
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Raised blood pressure

Adults, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Men, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Women, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Raised cholesterol

Adults, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Men, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Women, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Raised fasting blood glucose

Men, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Women, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2021

Age:20-79
Area covered:National
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation.  IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, %

Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Adults, 2017

References:Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

You can choose to compare this country’s data with the data for up to four other countries.

Policies, Interventions and Actions

Okul Gıdası Hakkında Teblig

National mandatory standards for food available in schools adopted by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry from October 2020. (Available only in Turkish language)

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/66550 (last accessed 20.07.22)

Türk Gıda Kodeksi Gıdalara Vitaminler, Mineraller ve Belirli Diğer Öğelerin Eklenmesi Hakkında Yönetmelikte Değişiklik Yapılmasına Dair Yönetmelik

Measures to limit or virtually eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids in food intended for the final consumer and/or for supply to retail. Adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry from May 2020. (Available only in Turkish language)

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/39780 (last accessed 18.07.22)

PREVENTION OF ADULT AND CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ACTION PLAN 2019 - 2023

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2019-2023
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:General Directorate of Public Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Turkey Healthy Eating and Active Life Program", Ministry of Health, People General Directorate of Health, Ankara 2019

The Turkey Pledge

2018 Update to the Turkey pledge

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Association of Turkish Advertisers (RVD)
Linked document:Download linked document

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

Categories:Evidence of Obesity Target
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:World Health Organisation
References:Noncommunicable diseases country profiles 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

Türk Gıda Kodeksi Gıda Etiketleme veTüketicileri Bilgilendirme Yönetmeliği

Mandatory national labelling guidelines for pre-packaged food approved by the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock and adopted from January 2017. (Available only in Turkish language)

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/36196 (last accessed 04.07.22)

Dietary Guidelines for Turkey (Turkiye Beslenme Rehberi)

Turkey published its food-based dietary guidelines in 2004. The English version was published in 2006. These were updated in 2015

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Turkey Nutrition Guide TUBE 2015", "T. C. Ministry of Health Publication No: 1031, Ankara 2016. Available at http://www.gercekdiyetisyenler.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/TUBER.pdf (last accessed 30.10.20)

2014/7127 Bazi Mallara Uygulanan Özel Tüketİm Vergİsİ Oranlari İle Maktu Ve Asgarİ Maktu Vergİ Tutarlarinin Tespİt Edİlmesİ Hakkinda Karar

Mandatory volume or weight based specific excise tax on unhealthy food or drink products adopted by Bakanlar Kurulu from December 2014. (Available only in Turkish language)

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Bakanlar Kurulu
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/fr/node/82251 (last accessed 11.07.22)

Healthy Eating and Active Life Program of Turkey

Categories (partial):Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2014-2017
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:General Directorate of Public Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Turkey Healthy Eating Active Life Program and the Ministry of Health, Public Health Agency of Turkey (2013)

Turkiye Fiziksel Aktivite Rehberi (Turkey Physical Activity Guide)

In Turkish

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:T.R. Turkey Ministry of Health Public Health Agency of Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Department
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Turkiye Fiziksel Aktivite Rehberi . Turkey Ministry of Health Public Health Agency of Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Department (2014) Available at https://dosyaism.saglik.gov.tr/Eklenti/12302,2014-fiziksel-aktivite-rehberipdf.pdf?0 (last accessed 30.10.20)

Yayın Hizmeti Usul Ve Esasları Hakkında Yönetmelik (Değişik)

Advertising aimed at children and young people shall not encourage or condone excessive consumption of foods and beverages containing substances the excessive consumption of which is not recommended, such as fats, trans fatty acids, salt or sodium and sugars. Adopted from April 2014. (Available only in Turkish language)

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/43103 (last accessed 20.07.22)

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Present
Front-of-package labelling?Absent
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Present
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Present
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Present
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Present
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Present
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Present
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Present
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Present
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Absent
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Present
National obesity strategy?Present
National childhood obesity strategy?Present
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Absent
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Present
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Present
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Absent
Promotion of breastfeeding?Present

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Present

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Absent

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated September 13, 2022

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Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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