Two-Thirds of Croatians Overweight, Every Third Death Due to Cardiovascular Disease

A recent report, "Health Profile of Croatia 2025," co-authored by Dr. Bernd Rechel of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, paints a stark picture of the nation's public health landscape. Večernji List highlights the critical findings: Croatia lags at the bottom of European rankings for life expectancy, a statistic deeply concerning for a nation striving for progress. The report underscores that cardiovascular diseases and cancer remain the primary culprits behind mortality, accounting for a significant portion of all deaths.

The analysis does not shy away from identifying the root causes. High rates of preventable mortality, coupled with lifestyle factors such as widespread smoking, alarming levels of obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption, place Croatia in an unfavorable position compared to the EU average. The data on adolescent smoking and vaping, in particular, is a cause for serious concern, signaling future health crises if not addressed proactively.

While the report acknowledges a post-pandemic recovery in life expectancy, reaching 79.1 years in 2024, it emphasizes that this figure still falls short by 2.6 years compared to the EU average. From a Croatian perspective, as presented by Večernji List, these findings are not merely statistics but a call to action. The emphasis on preventable deaths and lifestyle-related illnesses suggests a need for more robust public health policies and targeted interventions. The disparity between Croatia's health outcomes and those of its European counterparts serves as a critical benchmark, urging a national re-evaluation of health strategies and a stronger commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens.

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Taxes on tobacco and stricter bans on smoking in public places are particularly important public health policy tools.