Türkiye is among the countries with high obesity rates in Europe. Understanding the scale of this situation is important both for individual health decisions and for evaluating weight management options.
Key Data
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) and the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Obesity prevalence in adult women: approximately 41%
- Obesity prevalence in adult men: approximately 25%
- Obesity prevalence in the general adult population: 30%+
- Overweight + obese combined: more than 60% of the adult population
OECD and WHO European Regional Obesity Report data position Türkiye among the OECD countries with high adult obesity prevalence (TÜİK Health Survey; WHO European Regional Obesity Report).
The prevalence values above are based on the TÜİK Türkiye Health Survey and the WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022; rates may vary depending on the data year and methodology. Refer to TÜİK publications for current official figures.
Its Position in Europe
According to the WHO European Obesity Report:
| Indicator | Türkiye |
|---|---|
| Female obesity rate | High level in Europe |
| Male obesity rate | Mid-to-high ranking |
| Trend | Continuous increase over the past 20 years |
| 2030 projection | Increase will continue if current measures are not taken |
Why So High?
Researchers emphasize that multiple factors act together:
Dietary transformation: Rapid transition from traditional Turkish cuisine to processed food; high consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Urbanization and sedentary lifestyle: The rise of sedentary office work in large cities and a decline in physical activity apart from public transit use.
Socioeconomic factors: Greater accessibility of processed, high-calorie, low-nutrient foods among lower-income groups.
Genetic and cultural factors: A predisposition to metabolic readiness in some populations; social rituals built around food.
Obesity-Related Disease Burden
In Türkiye, obesity is not merely a body-image issue but constitutes a serious public health burden:
- Type 2 diabetes: The epidemiological literature reports that the risk of type 2 diabetes is markedly increased in obesity (by up to approximately 7-fold in various cohorts); diabetes prevalence in Türkiye is above the WHO European regional average (source: WHO European Regional Obesity Report; TÜİK Health Survey).
- Cardiovascular disease: The most common cause of death in Türkiye
- Hypertension: Strong correlation with obesity
- Joint problems: Knee and hip osteoarthritis; directly affects quality of life
- Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea occurs far more frequently in individuals with obesity than in those of normal weight (approximately 3–5 times in epidemiological studies); a sleep study is recommended for clinical diagnosis (source: WHO European Regional Obesity Report).
- Certain cancer types: Obesity is a recognized risk factor for various cancer types, primarily colorectal, postmenopausal breast, and endometrial cancers (International Agency for Research on Cancer / WHO assessments).
From a health economics standpoint: OECD analyses show that obesity and related chronic diseases impose a considerable burden on national health expenditures and gross domestic product (OECD, The Heavy Burden of Obesity).
Young Adult Population: The Hidden Risk
The average age of Türkiye's population is relatively low. This indicates that young adults who start out overweight will face a heavier burden of obesity and chronic disease in the years ahead. In the young adult group aged 18–45, the prevalence of overweight and obesity shows an upward trend in TÜİK Health Survey and WHO surveillance data.
Türkiye's Position in Weight Management
Despite Türkiye's high obesity rate, access to evidence-based weight management services is limited:
- Bariatric surgery capacity is concentrated in major cities
- Access to GLP-1 medications is limited and costly
- Minimally invasive options such as the swallowable gastric balloon are offered at 60+ clinics
Clinical studies have reported a mean total body weight loss (TBWL) of approximately 15% with the swallowable gastric balloon; individual results may vary (Ienca et al., n=1,770, mean 14.9% TBWL; PMID 32279182). With the procedure volume and experience at its authorized clinics, Türkiye is one of the countries where this program is strongly offered (Data on File, Allurion 2026).
An Individual Step: What Can You Do?
Although the national data are concerning, change is possible at the individual level:
- Find out your BMI — Calculate your BMI →
- Consult your physician — obesity is a chronic disease that requires treatment
- Evaluate your options — a combination of lifestyle and medical support
Continue reading:
- Current Options in Obesity Treatment 2026 →
- Swallowable Gastric Balloon 2026 Guide →
- Calculate BMI →
- Find a Specialist →
- Clinical Evidence →
This content is for general informational purposes based on TÜİK and WHO reports. Consult your physician for a personal health assessment.
An Authorized Clinic in Your City
You can have the Allurion Program at more than 60 authorized clinics across Türkiye. For clinics in major cities:
Related Articles
Which Weight-Loss Method Is Right for Whom? An Evidence-Based 2026 Comparison Guide
Which weight-loss method is most effective in 2026? Lifestyle, gastric balloon, GLP-1 medications, and bariatric surgery: an evidence-based comparison and a guide to choosing what's right for you.
The Link Between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes — The Gastric Balloon Effect
The relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, the effect of weight loss on HbA1c, and up-to-date information on the use of the Allurion Program in diabetic patients.
30 Questions About the Gastric Balloon: Comprehensive Answers and FAQ
The 30 most frequently asked questions about the gastric balloon, with answers based on clinical data. Everything about the procedure, safety, nutrition, pricing, and results.
Related Pages
Which method is right for you?
Let our specialist physicians evaluate you free of charge.
Free Pre-Assessment →