Evaluation of obesity prevalence, nutrional habits and quality of life of immigrant Meskhetian Turks: The case of Ahlat districtof Bitlis province

Our research is a quantitative study conducted to evaluate the obesity prevalence, eating habits and quality of life of Migrant Meskhetian Turks settled in Ahlat District of Bitlis Province. 120 people, 62 men and 58 women, participated in the study. Participants are between the ages of 18-72, with an average age of 41.32. The BMI values of the participants were found to be normal in 25.0%, slightly obese in 60.8% and obese in 14.2%, with the rate of obese men (20.7%) higher than women (8.1%). The rate of those who are satisfied with their body weight is 73.3%. It was determined that 75.8% of the immigrants participating in the research did not do any sports, 82.5% ate 3 meals a day and 60.0% drank 6-8 glasses of water a day. Sunflower oil is used in 74.2% of meals. Fat consumption patterns 33.1% of the participants use it directly, 34.9% use it without burning, and 32.0% use it by burning. 80.8% of the participants consider obesity as a health problem. Women's quality of life scale physical function sub-dimension mean (80 ± 29.27) was higher than men's (68.30 ± 29.69). The mean general health sub-dimension was higher in men (55.69 ± 12.92) than in women (49.51 ± 9.39). In the sub-dimension of vitality, men (55.34 ± 7.48) and women (54.67 ± 8.95) were similar, and in the social function sub-dimension, men (57.97 ± 20.50) were more similar than women (52.62 ± 15. 86) were more active, similarly, men (70.69 ± 43.29) were stronger than women (58.06 ± 46.72) in the mental role sub-dimension. In the mental health sub-dimension, the average of men is higher. BMI values of Ahıska people settled in Ahlat were higher than the results of the measurements made on average. The analyzes of our study revealed that societies with BMI values above the average do not have a healthy diet and are vulnerable to chronic diseases and therefore have low quality of life. According to these results, it can be said that immigrants are a society that is not resistant to possible disasters. In order for immigrants to be a resilient society against disasters; should be supported economically, programs that encourage participation in daily social activities should be increased, awareness should be raised about proper nutrition, sports incentives should be provided, training courses should be guided and awareness should be made to increase participation in vocational training, especially literacy.