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Türkiye ranks third in the world and first in Europe for childhood obesity, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data and health experts, who point to urbanization, changing dietary habits and inactive lifestyles as key drivers of the rise.
Speaking to Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet, dietitian Gurkan Hiniz said genetic factors alone do not explain the increase in childhood obesity, noting that the modern food industry and shifting lifestyles play a significant role.
Hiniz said a widespread belief that a "chubby child is a healthy child" has compounded the problem in Turkish society. "Unfortunately there is still a misleading perception passed down through generations in Turkish society that a chubby child is a healthy child," he said.
"Traditional, vegetable-heavy Turkish cuisine has declined while the convenient but risky fast-food culture has grown."
Increased screen time among children is also feeding the obesity trend, Hiniz said. Children who remain inactive for long periods do not use their muscles sufficiently, leaving consumed energy unused, he explained.
Eating in front of screens also makes it harder for children to recognize hunger and fullness cues, Hiniz said, adding that snacks consumed without awareness can lead to fatty liver and disrupted blood sugar balance.
Hiniz also warned that overly strict or restrictive parental attitudes toward children's eating habits can backfire. Constant instructions to "eat" or "don't eat" can push a child into emotional defensiveness, he said.
He added that oversight and product variety in school cafeterias remain insufficient, and called for healthy alternatives to replace processed foods.
The effects of childhood obesity can persist into later life. Hiniz warned that obesity can lay the groundwork for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, arteriosclerosis and joint and reproductive health problems.
Hiniz also pointed to the psychological toll, saying children with weight issues often face bullying from peers, which can create a new cycle. "A bullied child turns back to high-energy foods to suppress the stress," he said, adding that cortisol released under stress can accelerate weight gain.
Insulin resistance is another concern linked to obesity. The condition, which develops when the body's sensitivity to the insulin hormone that regulates blood sugar decreases, often progresses without noticeable symptoms.
Internal medicine specialist Dr. Emrah Turunc said signs of insulin resistance can include an expanding waistline, frequent hunger, post-meal drowsiness and sugar cravings. He said darkening of the skin, changes in blood fat levels and hidden sugar intake also warrant attention.
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