Excess body weight as a risk factor and public health concern in the City of Zagreb

Abstract:

Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, dyslipidaemia, coronary disease and osteoarthritis. They are also risk factors for the development of cervical cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Excess body weight is closely associated with diabetes mellitus. Prevention of overweight and obesity is the direct and most effective method of preventing the development of metabolic syndrome. The World Health Organization has recognized overweight and obesity as the priority public health problem, reaching global epidemic proportions. Croatia and its capital, Zagreb, are not an exception. Most indicators (mortality, chronic diseases, and consumption of medications) associated with overweight or obesity point to the necessity of developing comprehensive and interdisciplinary prevention programs, which should be implemented at all levels of prevention and target all levels of society. 

Key words:
chronic disease; health promotion; mortality; obesity; overweight; pharmaceutical preparations; prevention and control