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What is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex condition primarily caused by excess body fat. Obesity is more than a cosmetic issue. This medical condition increases the risk of many other illnesses and health issues. Heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, liver disease, sleep apnea, and many forms of cancer are among them.

Some people find it difficult to lose weight for various reasons. Sometimes, obesity is caused by a combination of environment, physiology, genetic variables, diet, exercise, and physical activity choices.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Obesity must be treated in time to prevent significant health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer. Early treatment can improve general health and well-being by reducing the risk of long-term diseases, improving quality of life, and helping with proper weight management. It also leads to better long-term control and successful weight loss.

What are the Common Symptoms of Obesity?

Common symptoms of obesity include the following:

  • Excessive Body Fat: Gaining much weight in the thighs, hips, and abdomen.
  • Breathlessness: Shortness of breath upon exertion
  • Fatigue: Weak and getting tired, even after rest.
  • Snoring or Sleep apnea refers to breathing difficulties that disturb sleep most of the time.
  • Excessive Sweating: Sweating more, especially at rest or exercising.
  • Difficulty moving around and, for this reason, being unable to carry out any physical activity.
  • Increased Appetite: Always feeling hungry or wanting to eat.
  • Mood Changes: Depressed, anxious, or low self-esteem feelings linked to weight-related problems.

Causes and Risk Factors of Obesity

Causes

  • Poor Diet: Consumption of processed snacks, sugary drinks, high-calorie foods, and low-nutrient fast food.
  • Lack of Physical Activity: Prolonged sitting and inactivity lead to lower caloric expenditure.
  • Genetics: Genetic predisposition, inherited genes, and family history may influence the body's way of storing fat and controlling metabolism.
  • Medical Conditions: Insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk of obesity.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances in leptin, ghrelin, and insulin may affect appetite and fat storage.
  • Emotional Factors: Overeating as a coping mechanism may be caused by stress, despair, and emotional eating.

Risk Factors

  • Age
  • Physical Inactivity
  • Poor Diet
  • Medical Conditions
  • Medications
  • Psychological Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Sleep Issues

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Obesity in Turkey

Turkey has recently performed studies on enhancing obesity treatment by combining advanced medical technologies with drug options. While liraglutide has been shown to be a successful weight loss drug, new non-surgical weight management tools such as small intestine length modification provide promising alternatives. Successful treatment and prevention are essential because obesity carries a high economic burden in Turkey, where healthcare costs can reach billions of dollars.

Obesity Prevention Tips

Here are some tips for preventing obesity:

Keep Your Diet Balanced: Limit processed foods, sugar-filled beverages, and high-calorie snacks while eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats.

Maintain Your Physical Activity Level: Try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as swimming, cycling, or walking, on most days of the week.

Control Portion Sizes: Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and be aware of portion sizes to prevent overindulgence.

Keep Yourself Hydrated: Limit sugary drinks and sip water throughout the day.

Get Enough Sleep: Get between seven and nine hours of sound sleep every night. Lack of sleep can alter appetite hormones and cause overeating.

Treatment options for Obesity

Gastric Bypass: This technique prevents food intake and nutrient absorption by bypassing a portion of the small intestine and creating a tiny pouch-like stomach.


Cost Start From USD 4200 - USD 7500Explore Options

Sleeve Gastrectomy: A sleeve-shaped stomach that limits food intake is left behind after a significant section of the stomach is removed during a sleeve gastroscopy.


Cost Start From USD 3200 - USD 12000Explore Options

Lap Gastric Banding: restricts the amount of food consumed by wrapping a band around the upper part of the stomach to form a small pouch known as an Adjustable Gastric Banding or lap band.


Cost Start From USD 4000 - USD 8349Explore Options

  • Clinical assessment:
    • Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination evaluates overall health. This includes measuring waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index. It helps estimate body fat distribution and the possible risk of developing diabetes or heart problems.
    • Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to screen for potential subclinical medical disorders such as insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, hyperglycemia, and high cholesterol that could be associated with obesity.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • The DEXA scan is a test that measures bone density, lean mass, and fat mass. It provides a detailed assessment of fat distribution, which is essential to understand the health risks associated with obesity.
    • Ultrasound: Fatty liver and abdominal fat are common conditions in obese individuals, and ultrasound imaging can be used to assess these conditions.

Our MediRehab facilities, part of MediGence, offer physical therapy services for international patients. We also have convenient teleconsultation options so that patients all over the globe can receive expert treatment remotely. A few services such as:

  • Behaviouraltherapy is focused on solving emotional eating, developing self-control, and changing pathological eating habits. It may aid people in formulating and reaching weight loss objectives, and it may use support groups, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or counselling.
  • Physical therapy: Customized exercise programs for obese individuals help improve their strength, cardiovascular fitness, and ambulation ability. A physical therapist can design low-impact exercises that can gradually raise the intensity of a patient's activity without harming the patient.
  • Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.

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Hospitals for Obesity in Turkey

Cades Clinic: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Cades Clinic

Istanbul, Turkey

With 15+ years of existence and experience and several happy clients with successful procedures, Cades Clinic is one of the most renowned plastic surgery specialized clinics not only in Istanbul but the entire of Turkey. The clinic is located in the heart of Istanbul, the hub between the East and West. It has been exclusively designed for patients with different surgery needs, and with a comfortable and friendly environment. Popular services provided at the Cades Clinic are FUE hair transplant, DHI hair transplant, Hollywood Smile, Dental Implant, Plastic Surgery (Body & Face Aesthetics), and Bariatric Surgery (Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, & Adjustable Gastric).

The team of specialists at the clinic includes some of the eminent, skilled, experienced, diligent, licensed, and board-certified plastic surgeons who are known for their work ethics, patience, skills, hard work, modern approach, and caliber to match international standards. Plastic surgery specialists at the clinic try to find inspiration at every turn. Cades Clinic has built an excellent reputation for offering services where the medical aesthetic procedures are done using modern & advanced techniques and equipment. Qualified & highly skilled doctors make sure that the customers should get their desired outcomes without any complications or side effects. They try to keep it look as natural as they can. For every type of service, they provide post-operative care to the patients, understanding the need for appropriate & speedy recovery. The clinic is patient-oriented where the patient’s experience, safety, and comfort come at the top.  Their services are designed to meet the specific needs of the patients along with long-lasting, unique, & best outcomes. The clinic has 135+ in-house doctors who have done 5000+ successful surgeries. The team of doctors includes Dr. Sibel Dalmis, Dr. Marsel Ayob, Dr. Alexander Novak, Dr. Amirdanesh, Dr. Esra Tekin, and many others.

Cades Clinic has been involved in various activities and collaborations as the founders and managing directors firmly believe that progress and knowledge should keep going. The clinic has been in partnership with a variety of national and international professional organizations/societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Aesthetic Society, IADS, the American Board of Orofacial Pain, and the Council of European Dentists.  Staffed by a group of competent and visionary medical professionals who are well-versed in their fields and renowned for their empathy and understanding, Cades Clinic in Turkey provides excellent care. Both domestic and foreign patients are handled by them with relative ease. The facility provides relaxing, serene surroundings, greenery, a hygienic setting, and open space.  With a large influx of people seeking the best care and facilities in the city's center, it is well renowned for its dedication to providing unique and evidence-based plastic surgical services. As an additional service for the benefit of people across the world and to expand their aesthetic services, for the ease of the patients, doctors at Cades clinic are also providing Online Consultations to individuals who are unable to visit in person but are in need of medical attention or any other elective surgery.

Adatip Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Adatip Hospital

Sakarya, Turkey

Adatip International Hospital was founded in Sakarya, Turkey, in 1995. It has been accredited by Turking medical association and ISO Credentials. The hospital has been prepared with a capacity of 450 beds and 16 fully equipped operating rooms. 2 out of these 16 OTs are hybrid and equipped with advanced technology.

It offers affordable healthcare services in all departments while all services are rendered at the same standards and quality. It serves patients through a comprehensive group of healthcare professionals. It responds to the needs of patients based on a holistic approach that considers physical and mental well-being as a whole and offers predictive, preventive, personalized, and therapeutic solutions.

The quality of service is maximized by specialized healthcare professionals, medical collaborations, and technologies. It has specialized departments such as anesthesiology, biochemistry, cardiology, dermatology, ENT, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, neurology, orthopedics, and psychology. The mission is to consider the expectations, needs, responsibilities, and rights of all patients, employees, and companions at each step of the service delivery.  The values are to ensure sustainability in improvement and education, provide modern infrastructure, believe in the power of teamwork, present the best health care without sacrificing the quality, honor the principles of organizational social responsibility, use sources efficiently, enrich and protect the sustainable success and the organizational culture, and work in line with scientific and ethic rules.

Estecapelli Medical Solutions: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Estecapelli Medical Solutions

Istanbul, Turkey

Established in 2013, EsteCapelli Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, is a renowned private multi-specialty medical center known for its exceptional healthcare services and partnerships with leading hospitals. With a focus on dental treatments, obstetrics and gynecology, plastic surgery, and weight loss surgery, EsteCapelli delivers cutting-edge care in line with global healthcare standards. The clinic’s commitment to innovation and emerging medical technologies ensures patients receive the latest treatment options available. EsteCapelli Clinic prioritizes patient satisfaction, offering a seamless, patient-centric experience from consultation to recovery, with personalized care, convenient airport transfers, and accommodation services. With a reputation for excellence and an annual influx of over 1,500 patients, EsteCapelli continues to set new benchmarks in healthcare, providing world-class medical services in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

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Why Choose Turkey for Obesity Treatment?

Turkey is a popular destination for treating obesity for several significant reasons:

Affordable Healthcare: Compared to many Western countries, Turkey provides affordable treatment options, including weight loss programs and bariatric surgery, at a fraction of the cost.

Highly Trained Medical Professionals

Turkey has highly trained doctors and surgeons, many internationally qualified and aware of the latest obesity treatments.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Most Turkey hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology to ensure quality care and follow international healthcare standards.

There are various treatment options, ranging from incredibly complex bariatric operations to non-surgical weight loss programs. Patients can expect therapy plans that address their specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A well-balanced diet rich in nutritious food with limited portions will help you lose weight. Include common exercise, with 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, and drink plenty of water. Eat mindfully, get seven to nine hours of good sleep, and use yoga or other stress-reduction techniques. To maintain motivation, set reasonable weight loss objectives, don't skip meals, and surround yourself with encouraging people.

Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss method for severely obese individuals that alters the digestive tract to help the patient lose weight. The options include sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and gastric bypass. Candidates must have failed other efforts at weight loss and have a BMI of 40 or higher or 35 or higher with obesity-related medical conditions. To undergo the procedure, they must also be generally healthy and committed to lifestyle changes over the rest of their lives.

Although the recovery time after bariatric surgery in Turkey varies by patient and technique, it generally takes three to six weeks. Patients usually spend one to three days in the hospital immediately following surgery. The diet is liquid or soft food for the first few weeks, and rest is essential.

Most people can return to mild work or hobbies within two to three weeks, but physical activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. Complete healing takes six months, but readjusting to the new food and lifestyle changes may take up to three months.

There are several types of bariatric surgery, all of which aim at helping patients lose weight by effecting changes to the digestive system in some way:

Gastric Bypass: This technique prevents food intake and nutrient absorption by bypassing a portion of the small intestine and creating a tiny pouch-like stomach.

Sleeve gastrectomy: A sleeve-shaped stomach that limits food intake is left behind after a significant section of the stomach is removed during a sleeve gastroscopy.

Adjustable Gastric Banding: This technique restricts the amount of food consumed by wrapping a band around the upper part of the stomach to form a small pouch known as an Adjustable Gastric Banding or lap band.

Most patients experience a loss of between 50% and 70% of their excess weight within a year or two of bariatric surgery. However, this varies from patient to patient, depending on factors such as metabolism, lifestyle changes, and the surgery performed. After one year, weight loss tends to slow down; therefore, continuing healthy practices and annual check-ups are critical for long-term success.

Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and, in some cases, medical care or bariatric surgery can all help manage obesity, which can be a lifelong condition. Although it cannot be totally "cured," durability depends on making these adjustments to avoid weight gain and improve overall health.

Yes, bariatric surgery is available at many reputable hospitals throughout Turkey by physicians who are experts in weight-loss methods such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

Author

Dr. Abdullah Rahil
Dr. Abdullah Rahil

MPT (Neuro)

7 Years of Experience

Dr. Abdullah Rahil, M.P.T. (Neurology), is a dedicated physiotherapy professional specializing in orthopedic, neurological, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. With strong clinical expertise, he focuses on improving patient mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional independence through evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. He is skilled in advanced therapeutic approaches that support effective rehabilitation and recovery for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, focusing on improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional independence. Dr. Rahil has extensive experience managing diverse rehabilitation cases. His patient-centered approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans, continuous assessment, and comprehensive rehabilitation to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. View More

Reviewer

Dr. Ashish George
Dr. Ashish George

Gastroenterologist

18 Years of Experience

Dr. Ashish George is one of the leading names in HPB surgery & liver transplantation and has about 18+ years of experience.He is a principal consultant & unit head of liver transplant at Fortis Shalimar Bagh. View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026