Overweight and Obesity among adults in Serbia: Results from the National Health Survey

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Serbian adults. The impact of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on weight was explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study representative of the adult population in Serbia was carried out in 2006. The study involved 13,796 people aged 20 years and over (6551 men and 7245 women). Individuals were interviewed and underwent anthropometric examination (overweight and obesity defined by body mass index — BMI). RESULTS: In 2006 in Serbia, 55.7% of adult population was overweight (19.0% of examinees were obese). Among men (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) 26.4% considered themselves as above ideal weight (overweight and obese), while 70.9% classified themselves in an ideal body weight (normal weight). Among women (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) 41.7% classified themselves as above ideal body weight while 56.0% as ideal body weight. Lower educational status, marriage status, rural area of settlement, third and fourth level of household income and irregular main meals were all strongly associated with overweight and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of overweight and obesity is a significant public health problem among Serbian adults. Efforts are needed to effectively promote daily physical activity and healthy eating through progressive modifications in lifestyle and the creation of supportive environments.