Childhood obesity is increasing as well as threatening community health. There are now more than 3 million children with obesity in Turkey³; therefore, this programme aims to identify the root causes of diabetes starting from childhood obesity in Istanbul, which reflects 20% of the country population.

In-depth research was conducted by IPSOS to identify major gaps and determination of social risks, cultural and urban factors, focusing on Istanbul’s perception of obesity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online Social Listening study was conducted which highlighted topics such as; the notion of living healthy, being part of a healthy environment, and obesity risk factors associated with an urban lifestyle. Qualitative and quantitative research followed the social listening phase with online 1:1 in-depth interviews to understand children’s lifestyles, dietary habits, living conditions and approaches of their parents and authorities and the underlying causes of the obesity among children.

Targeting preschool children and their families, projects have been developed with the aim to change  habits and promote healthy living.  Digital and face-to-face educational programmes have been created for the curriculum of nurseries as well as a ‘Persona Dolls Educational Initiative’ teaching method to be implemented in the curriculum to prevent obesity stigmatisation.

"We rank first in Europe in obesity. Moreover, we are the second country with the highest obesity rate among OECD countries after the USA. Although obesity is generally perceived as an adult disease, childhood obesity is unfortunately now a global public health problem."

— Dr Şengül Altan Arslan, İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General.

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