Changes in Body Weight Perception, Lifestyle Habits, and Health Awareness in Croatia: A Comparative Population Survey (2022–2024)

<b>Background</b>: Croatia has the highest prevalence of obesity among European Union member states, with more than 65% of adults classified as overweight or obese. Understanding public perceptions and behaviours related to body weight is essential for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies. <b>Objective</b>: This study compared Croatian adults' satisfaction with body weight, physical fitness, and dietary habits in 2022 and 2024, exploring potential behavioural changes following national awareness campaigns and the introduction of new anti-obesity measures. <b>Methods</b>: Data were collected via computer-assisted web interviews (CAWI) from representative national samples of adults aged 18 years and older (N = 798; 398 in 2022, 400 in 2024). Analyses used descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables, and independent t-tests for continuous variables. <b>Results</b>: In both years, fewer than half of respondents were satisfied with their body weight or physical fitness. Obesity prevalence rose slightly among men (from 18.9% to 25.4%), while rates among women remained stable. Although 93% of women and 78% of men were aware of BMI, only 21% knew their exact value. Individuals with obesity were significantly more dissatisfied with their body shape (<i>p</i> < 0.001). One-third reported dieting within the past six months, and only one in ten sought medical advice for weight management. Lack of time and the high cost of healthy foods were the most frequently cited barriers to healthier lifestyles. <b>Conclusions</b>: Body weight satisfaction and lifestyle habits among Croatian adults remain suboptimal. Targeted, gender-sensitive, and web-based interventions are needed to promote awareness, improve self-perception accuracy, and enhance obesity prevention efforts.

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Publication Details

Journal
Nutrients
Published
2025-12-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010011
Primary Topic
Obesity and Health Practices
Type
article
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article

Changes in Body Weight Perception, Lifestyle Habits, and Health Awareness in Croatia: A Comparative Population Survey (2022–2024)

Radenka Munjas Samarin, Lana Ružić, Ines Bilić-Ćurčić, Maja Cigrovski Berković et al.
Nutrients
Obesity and Health Practices
article

Changes in Body Weight Perception, Lifestyle Habits, and Health Awareness in Croatia: A Comparative Population Survey (2022–2024)

Radenka Munjas Samarin, Lana Ružić, Ines Bilić-Ćurčić, Maja Cigrovski Berković, Silvija Canecki-Varžić, Vjekoslav Cigrovski, Sanda Marusic
article en

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: Croatia has the highest prevalence of obesity among European Union member states, with more than 65% of adults classified as overweight or obese. Understanding public perceptions and behaviours related to body weight is essential for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies. <b>Objective</b>: This study compared Croatian adults' satisfaction with body weight, physical fitness, and dietary habits in 2022 and 2024, exploring potential behavioural changes following national awareness campaigns and the introduction of new anti-obesity measures. <b>Methods</b>: Data were collected via computer-assisted web interviews (CAWI) from representative national samples of adults aged 18 years and older (N = 798; 398 in 2022, 400 in 2024). Analyses used descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables, and independent t-tests for continuous variables. <b>Results</b>: In both years, fewer than half of respondents were satisfied with their body weight or physical fitness. Obesity prevalence rose slightly among men (from 18.9% to 25.4%), while rates among women remained stable. Although 93% of women and 78% of men were aware of BMI, only 21% knew their exact value. Individuals with obesity were significantly more dissatisfied with their body shape (<i>p</i> < 0.001). One-third reported dieting within the past six months, and only one in ten sought medical advice for weight management. Lack of time and the high cost of healthy foods were the most frequently cited barriers to healthier lifestyles. <b>Conclusions</b>: Body weight satisfaction and lifestyle habits among Croatian adults remain suboptimal. Targeted, gender-sensitive, and web-based interventions are needed to promote awareness, improve self-perception accuracy, and enhance obesity prevention efforts.

NutrientsVol. 18(1)
University of Zagreb (HR), Klinički bolnički centar Osijek (HR), University of Osijek (HR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 42%
Obesity and Health Practices
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