Expert Dietitian Elif Melek Avcı Dursun Shares Crucial Tips on Obesity and Weight Loss
Obesity is rapidly becoming a global health issue, and research suggests that Turkey is expected to rank first in obesity by 2030. Obesity is not just a weight problem; it is directly related to over 40 health issues. We sat down with Expert Dietitian Elif Melek Avcı Dursun to discuss this serious topic and uncover the key points for healthy weight loss.
What Is Obesity, and How Is It Diagnosed?
Elif Melek Avcı Dursun defines obesity in simple terms: “Body Mass Index (BMI) is the ratio of your weight in kilograms to the square of your height in meters. If the result is 30.0 or above, obesity is diagnosed.”
Losing Weight Requires Discipline
Dietitian Dursun emphasizes that losing weight is not just about following a diet: “Losing weight requires discipline and collaboration between the doctor, nutritionist, and the individual. If one of these is lacking, achieving success becomes more difficult.”
Key Points to Know Before Starting a Weight Loss Journey
- Is losing 10 kilos in a month possible for everyone?
Elif Melek Avcı Dursun: “No, it’s not possible for everyone. You can lose around 10% of your current weight in the first month, but this depends on your health condition and adherence to the nutrition program.”
- Is losing 4 kilos a month ideal?
Dursun shares, “Losing 4 kilos per month is generally considered ideal. However, each person’s weight loss target differs, and it should be determined based on their eating habits and health status.”
- What’s more important: Body Mass Index or body fat percentage?
“Body fat percentage is more important. The ideal body fat percentage is 25-30% for women and 18-25% for men. Sometimes, even if people have an ideal body weight and BMI, their fat percentages may not be at the desired level,” Dursun notes.
- Why is waist circumference so important?
Waist circumference is also a crucial health indicator. “The goal should be a waist circumference of less than 80 cm for women and 88 cm for men.” Dursun emphasizes that weight loss should not only focus on numbers but also on bringing metabolic syndrome indicators to healthy levels.
- What mistakes are commonly made during the diet process?
Dursun warns: “Abandoning your diet without consulting a professional or not sticking to the plan slows down fat burning. Indulging or deviating from the plan can make weight loss more difficult.”
Lose Weight Healthily with Expert Guidance
Elif Melek Avcı Dursun highlights that healthy weight loss varies for everyone. “Each person has a unique body structure and health condition. Therefore, the nutrition and diet process should always be carried out under expert supervision.”
Finally, Dursun points out the dangers of following a diet without professional help: “Following an incorrect diet can put your health at serious risk.”
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to Expert Dietitian Elif Melek Avcı Dursun for her invaluable insights, expert knowledge, and guidance. Her professional approach and commitment to healthy weight loss make a significant difference in helping individuals achieve their health goals.
