Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, diabetes, stroke, and chronic lung diseases are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and account for a significant portion of deaths worldwide. In Turkey, it is estimated that 90% of all deaths are due to NCDs, with 34% due to CVD, 23% due to cancer, 7% due to chronic lung disease, and 5% due to diabetes.
Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition and lack of physical activity contribute to the development of non-communicable diseases. Risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are effective in increasing NCDs. In Turkey, it has been found that 32% of NCD-related deaths in individuals over 18 years of age and 10% in adolescents aged 10-19 years are due to obesity risk factors.
All overweight and obese adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25 are at risk of developing hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes, and CVD. Preventing obesity is effective in preventing these diseases. Weight loss is important in the treatment and prevention of obesity. Changes in body weight are focused on changes in diet and physical activity. Creating an energy deficit is necessary to achieve weight loss, and there are different dietary approaches to reduce energy intake. The Mediterranean diet model and the Intermittent Fasting model are important and being researched in this context.