ZAGREB, 11 June (Hina) – Obesity is no longer a silent epidemic but a serious public health issue, Health Minister Irena Hrstić said on Wednesday, citing data that 65% of adults and every third child in Croatia are overweight.
Speaking at a professional conference on obesity prevention organised by the Jutarnji List daily, Hrstić said the issue requires urgent and strategic action, noting that excess weight is linked to a number of health risks.
She recalled that the government has adopted a strategy and action plan for obesity prevention 2024-2027, with measures targeting all stages of life – from birth to old age.
“We must talk about and destigmatise overweight and obesity, and intervene across all life stages – from newborns and preschool children to older adults – through improved diet standards and increased physical activity,” she said.
Preventive health check-ups have shown that over 30% of those screened face three key risk factors: excess weight, high blood pressure and elevated blood lipids.
Investing in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases not only benefits the health system, but also helps extend healthy life years for citizens, Hrstić added.
The ministry’s strategy includes promoting healthy diets, encouraging physical activity, improving education and reducing stigma. Hrstić expressed hope that the conference would generate further ideas to improve the action plan.
