In his statement, Prof. Dr. Onur Birsen said: “On the occasion of March 4 World Obesity Day, I would especially like to emphasize that obesity is an increasingly serious public health problem today and should not be considered merely an aesthetic issue. Obesity is a chronic disease that lays the groundwork for many important conditions, primarily diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, some types of cancer, and musculoskeletal system disorders. The significant increase in obesity prevalence across all age groups in recent years clearly demonstrates the seriousness of the issue. Excess energy intake, insufficient physical activity, irregular eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle play an important role in this increase. The most important step in combating obesity is awareness. Healthy and balanced eating habits, regular physical activity, sufficient and quality sleep, and sustainable lifestyle changes form the basis of treatment. Individuals with a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or above are considered obese, and a multidisciplinary approach is especially important for those with comorbidities.”

Prof. Dr. Onur Birsen added: “Do Not Ignore Obesity”

Noting that in addition to diet and exercise programs, medical treatments and, in suitable patients, bariatric surgery are effective and safe options in obesity treatment today, Prof. Dr. Birsen continued: “Surgical treatments not only provide weight loss but also significantly contribute to the control of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. However, the appropriate treatment method should be determined based on individual evaluation. Obesity is a preventable and treatable disease. For a healthy future, we should maintain a balanced diet, adopt an active lifestyle, and not neglect regular health check-ups.”