The Turkish government has sparked intense public debate after launching a controversial health initiative that involves weighing citizens in public spaces. While officials defend the move as a necessary step to curb rising obesity rates, many Turks are pushing back, accusing the government of overreach and stigmatization.
According to Fox News and other outlets, the Turkish Ministry of Health launched a nationwide campaign on May 10, covering all 81 provinces. Under the slogan Know Your Weight, Live Healthily, the program aims to measure the weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) of 10 million citizens.
The campaign is being carried out without prior notice in busy public areas, including parks, squares, bus terminals, and stadiums.
Public Anger Over Priorities and Stigma
One particularly vocal critic is Gökben Hızlı Sayar, a Turkish psychiatrist who shared her experience on X (formerly Twitter). “Last week, I came across an obesity checkpoint vehicle in Üsküdar Square. Fortunately, they let me go after giving me a mild scolding,” she wrote, describing the event as deeply uncomfortable.
Many Turks argue that the campaign unfairly targets individuals struggling with obesity, reinforcing stigma rather than offering support. Critics are also frustrated that the government appears more focused on citizens’ weight than on tackling urgent economic problems, such as soaring food prices and stagnant wages.
Turkey’s Minister of Health defended the campaign by characterizing obesity as a serious health issue. He reportedly described it as a disease that might be manageable at a younger age but warned that it can lead to joint and heart complications over time.
Individuals with a BMI of 25 or higher are referred to local health centers for dietary consultations and ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that roughly 32.1% of Turkey’s population is classified as obese, one of the highest rates in the region.
Health experts identify several contributing factors, including the rise in fast-food consumption, economic barriers to accessing healthy foods, and a sharp decline in physical activity.
As reported by Fox News on Monday, Turkish authorities insist that such public health measures are necessary to address a growing crisis. Still, the lack of public consensus around the methods used has left many questioning whether the cure is worse than the condition.
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