ZAGREB, 2 March (Hina) - About 65% of Croatian adults are overweight, and roughly 25% are classified as obese, it was highlighted at a congress organised by the Croatian Endocrine Society (HED).

Data show a gender gap, with 35% of men and 28% of women affected. Childhood obesity is also concerning -- around 36% of eight-year-olds are overweight or obese, according to the CroCOSI study.

Experts stress that obesity is a chronic, progressive, and recurring disease caused by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, not just lifestyle choices.

Effective treatments include lifestyle changes and pharmacological therapies, including GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor drugs that reduce hunger and increase satiety.

The four-day congress gathered over 380 participants, highlighting multidisciplinary approaches and presenting new guidelines for obesity diagnosis and treatment in Croatia, as well as a handbook for family medicine physicians. HED also emphasised the importance of addressing stigmatisation, which can discourage patients from seeking help.