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Yagiz BekteTurkish toddler with leptin deficiency leading to severe obesity and other problems
Country:
 Turkey |
Content:
- Biography of Yagiz Bekte
- Desperate Plea for Help
- A Life Defined by Obesity
- The Devastating Effects of Leptin Deficiency
- Seeking Help from the Turkish President
- A Plea for a Brighter Future
- Living with the Consequences
- The Treatment
Biography of Yagiz Bekte
Yagiz Bekte is a Turkish child who suffers from a deficiency of the hormone leptin, which leads to severe obesity and other health problems. He was born in Samsun, Turkey, and from a young age, his parents noticed that he was rapidly gaining weight. Yagiz's weight gain is approximately 2-2.5 kg each month due to the leptin deficiency.
Desperate Plea for Help
Yagiz's parents are unable to afford the expensive treatment, which costs £30,000 per month. They have reached out to the Turkish authorities for assistance in paying for the costly treatment. They fear that without the treatment, their son's condition will worsen, potentially leading to his death.
A Life Defined by Obesity
Yagiz's obesity has become a significant challenge for his parents. At just 18 months old, he already weighs over 30 kg, making it difficult to find appropriate diapers and even fit in his stroller. The treatment for Yagiz is only available privately, with three days of medical care costing £3,196. Therefore, the family requires a minimum of £30,000 per month to cover the expenses.
The Devastating Effects of Leptin Deficiency
Yagiz's father, Sedat, who works as an auto mechanic, expresses his concerns about his son's future. He states that without the medication, Yagiz's weight gain will not stop, and he will be unable to walk, run, or even breathe properly. Leptin deficiency, the condition Yagiz was born with, affects his weight regulation and metabolism.
Seeking Help from the Turkish President
The local social services have refused to finance the treatment, leaving Yagiz's parents with no choice but to seek support from the President of Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan. Even if the family could afford the medication, payment is supposed to be guaranteed by the government and regulated by the health department. Yagiz's mother, Sevda, states that she wants her son to be able to walk and play like other children, as his condition is severely limiting his mobility and quality of life.
A Plea for a Brighter Future
Yagiz's constant hunger and rapid weight gain have caused immense distress for his parents. Sevda explains that regardless of the diet they put him on, his condition is not related to his eating habits. Even when he was exclusively breastfed, he would still gain a couple of kilograms per month. Leptin deficiency is a condition that leads to severe obesity starting from the first few months of life.
Living with the Consequences
The prevalence of leptin deficiency is unknown, but it is caused by a genetic mutation. The affected individuals are born overweight and constantly feel hungry, leading to rapid weight gain. Additionally, the condition can affect sexual development, potentially delaying puberty and causing infertility.
The Treatment
The treatment for Yagiz's condition involves daily injections of leptin to regulate his weight and metabolism. However, the high cost of the medication makes it unaffordable for his family without external support. They are desperately seeking assistance to ensure that Yagiz receives the treatment he needs to have a chance at a healthier and happier life.
