Croatia sees surge in child obesity amid European concerns

A recent European initiative monitoring child weight reports that roughly one in three children across the continent are overweight and one in ten are obese. In Croatia, the trend mirrors the wider pattern, with a growing share of school‑age children carrying excess weight.

The study highlights dietary shortcomings: only 46% of children eat fresh fruit daily, 32% consume vegetables, while 41% regularly eat sweets, 29% drink sugary drinks, and 16% snack on salty foods multiple times a week. These habits, combined with limited physical activity and factors such as genetics, hormones, sleep deprivation, socioeconomic conditions, and certain medications, contribute to the rise in obesity.

Health experts warn that excess weight in childhood raises the risk of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, joint problems, asthma, low self‑esteem, and depression later in life. They stress the importance of balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, alongside regular exercise, to curb the trend.