Is environment destiny? Spatial analysis of the relationship between geographic factors and obesity in Türkiye

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the relationship of geographical factors, including precipitation, slope, air pollution and elevation with adult obesity prevalence in Türkiye (TR) using a cross-regional study design. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were performed to evaluate the spatial variation in the relationship between all geographic factors and obesity prevalence. In the model, a positive relationship was found between obesity prevalence and slope, whereas a negative significant relationship was determined between obesity prevalence and elevation (p < 0.05). These results, revealing spatially varying associations, were very useful in refining the interpretations of the statistical results on adult obesity. This research suggests that geographical factors should be considered as one of the components of the obesogenic environment. In addition, it is recommended that national and international strategies to overcome obesity should be restructured by taking into account the geographical characteristics of the region.