"Is Being Fat a Crime?" Outrage in Turkey Over Surprise Public Weigh-Ins

Ministry of Health Measures Weight in Public Spaces to Prevent Obesity
Complaints Rise Over "Excessive Government Intervention" and "Insulting" Practices

Turkish health authorities have sparked controversy by launching a campaign to measure citizens' height and weight in streets and public squares, claiming it is aimed at preventing obesity.

On May 28 (local time), Fox News reported that the Turkish Ministry of Health has been measuring weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) in public places across all 81 provinces since May 10, and will continue until July 10.

Measuring citizens' obesity levels in public places in Turkey.
[Image source=Captured from the Instagram of the Turkey Regional Health Department]

The campaign, under the slogan "Know Your Weight, Live Healthily," is being conducted unexpectedly in public spaces with heavy foot traffic, such as parks, squares, bus terminals, and stadiums. Citizens found to be overweight (BMI of 25 or higher) are referred to health centers, where they receive counseling and monitoring from nutritionists.

The government has described this campaign as a "national war on obesity" and announced that its goal is to measure 10 million citizens.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 32.1% of Turkey's population is obese. Experts have analyzed that Turkey's high obesity rate is due to increased fast food consumption, economic barriers to healthy eating habits, and decreased physical activity.

Turkish Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca stated, "Obesity is a disease," and explained, "The goal of this campaign is to improve the health of the people." He told the media, "While you may endure it when you're young, as you age, it leads to joint and heart diseases," adding, "We are measuring citizens' weight in public places across all 81 provinces."

He also revealed on social media, "I, too, received a 'slightly above normal weight' result in a public checkup in the capital, Ankara," and expressed his determination to lose weight by saying, "I will walk every day from now on."

However, these unannounced weight checks have sparked controversy and backlash among citizens. The government explained that "participation is not mandatory and relies on citizens' voluntary involvement," but citizens expressed displeasure, saying, "This is excessive government intervention, and being asked to weigh yourself on the street is itself insulting."

Psychiatrist Goekben Hizli Sayar, who was subjected to an "obesity checkpoint" on the street, posted a witty message on social media, saying, "I told other chubby people not to go that way. Fellow fatties, let's stand in solidarity," which drew public attention.

On the other hand, some criticized the campaign, stating, "The government ignores social issues that force unhealthy lifestyles, such as soaring food prices and stagnant wages, and simply brings out scales onto the streets." Local media also cited experts who pointed out, "It is unreasonable to judge an individual's health status solely based on BMI."