Obesity is a major public health issue in Croatia. In 2019, nearly two-thirds of adults (64.8%) were overweight (body mass index equal to or over 25) or obese (body mass index equal to or over 30) and Croatia was with Malta among the two countries with the highest share of adults with overweight or obesity.
In March 2024 the Croatian government adopted the Action Plan for Obesity Prevention for the period 2024–2027. The document emphasizes that obesity is a complex multifactorial disease but also a major risk factor for the development of other chronic non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. Besides impaired physical health, people with obesity often face stigmatization that can affect their mental health. Since overweight and obesity often start at an early age, timely action is key to prevention, taking into account age (pregnancy and newborn, children and young people, adults and elderly) and life habits by age groups (eating habits and physical activity).
The objective of the document is to reduce the burden of obesity by taking measures for promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing risk factors and for the recognition, monitoring and treatment of obesity. The main outcome indicators are the share of overweight and obese adults (64%) and children (35%), with the goal that the numbers remain the same in 2027.
General measures for all age groups are:
- Promotion of physical activity,
- Promotion of healthy eating habits,
- Support for the development of a non-obesogenic environment,
- Education,
- Support and treatment of persons with obesity (through counselling centres and centres for obesity treatment)
- Centralized coordination, development and dissemination of evidence-based practices in obesity prevention
Additional specific measures are anticipated for certain age groups, including pregnancy, children and adolescents, adults and older people.
The main institutions charged with implementation of the Action Plan are the Croatian Institute of Public Health and the Ministry of Health, which is responsible for multisectoral cooperation (such as with the Ministry of Science and Education, the Faculty of Kinesiology, medical associations, and local government).
Regarding the funding of anticipated activities, the action plan has estimated annual financial resources, by activities, for the period 2024–2026, but some institutions, such as the Ministry of Health, will work on the plan within their regular activities, without additional funds.