Teachers and Students at Risk of Obesity

Contrary to common belief, a Metabolic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. İsa Kaman emphasizes that weight gain during summer months can be as significant as during winter months, and shared what should be done to prevent the onset of obesity during summer vacation. As summer arrives, many people seek ways to shed the weight gained during winter months. However, the situation can be reversed for students and teachers who enter approximately three months of summer vacation as the academic year comes to an end. This is because individuals whose routines change suddenly during vacation days inevitably gain weight as a result of particularly sedentary lifestyle and unbalanced nutrition. According to experts, this situation can be a harbinger of obesity onset, especially in people prone to weight gain. Op. Dr. İsa Kaman, noting that summer vacation is approached with enthusiasm for ample entertainment and rest, stated: "We particularly observe that students spend their vacation period in a sedentary manner, sitting in front of screens for hours. When unhealthy and unbalanced eating behaviors are added to this, it can lead to obesity onset."

Attention Should Be Paid to Diet and Sleep Routine

Op. Dr. Kaman, noting that sleep and eating habits that proceed in a definite order during the academic year change during summer months, stated: "Students and teachers go to bed later at night during this period, and their waking times for the new day are correspondingly later as well. Consequently, dinner is eaten later, and snacking may continue after meals." He underlined that this situation causes breakfast to also be eaten later than normal, disrupting metabolic balance.

Summer Sports Increase Appetite

Op. Dr. Kaman, drawing attention to the fact that activities conducted during summer months have an appetite-stimulating quality, stated: "Outdoor activities frequently done on vacation such as swimming, cycling and walking increase the appetite for eating and drinking. Unintentional food or beverage consumption can also lead to weight gain. For this reason, it is beneficial to turn to foods that are as low in calories and healthy as possible" he explained.

Moderation Should Be Exercised in Fruit Consumption

Op. Dr. Kaman, noting that the appeal shown to cooling products such as fruits, beverages and ice cream increases due to the effect of hot weather during summer months, also pointed out that fruits, which are quite healthy foods when consumed in moderation, cause weight gain due to their high sugar content when taken to excess. Op. Dr. Kaman, emphasizing that carbonated, sugary beverages and ice cream should be consumed at minimum levels, noted that plenty of water can be consumed instead.