National measures giving effect to the WHO global strategy on diet, physical activity and health in Turkey

 Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 60% of all deaths (35 million) globally.  Out of the 35 million people who died from chronic disease in 2005, half were under 70 and half were women. NCDs are largely preventable and a small set of modifiable risk factors; unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use are responsible for most of the major NCDs. Elimination of these modifiable risk factors would prevent 80% of premature heart disease, 80% of premature stroke, 80% of type 2 diabetes and 40% of cancer.
In response to the growing global epidemic of NCDs, WHO developed the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (DPAS) and the European Food and Nutrition Action Plan. Since the adoption of DPAS by the Member States, there has been an acceleration of the development and implementation of national policies, plans and programmes to promote lifestyles that include a healthy diet and physical activity. WHO European Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy (2007-2012) was developed through a series of consultations with Member States, initiated at the Ministerial Conference on counteracting obesity in November 2006.
Depending on the commitments, Turkey prepared “The National Food and Nutrition Action Plan- 2003” and “The National Obesity Prevention Action Model of Turkey (2008-2012)” with the aim of forming a scientific and political determination and strengthening the intersectoral actions for the prevention of obesity which has a rising prevalence in Turkey. “The National Obesity Prevention Action” covers a wide multisectorial approach. Its implementation and monitoring will show the trends in the future.