Serbia
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Policies
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National obesity risk *7/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *7/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Policies
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 11474 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, Institute of Public Health of Serbia (2021). THE 2019 SERBIAN NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY. Available at https://publikacije.stat.gov.rs/G2021/pdfE/G20216003.pdf (last accessed 08.06.21) |
| Notes: | Anthropometric measurements taken |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 1246 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Maksimović MŽ, Gudelj Rakić JM, Vlajinac HD, Vasiljević ND, Nikić MI, Marinković JM. Comparison of different anthropometric measures in the adult population in Serbia as indicators of obesity: data from the National Health Survey 2013. Public Health Nutr. 2016 Feb 11:1-10. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 9433 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health status and health needs in Serbia. Expert team of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia. 2002. Dr Ljiljana T. WHO Infobase. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1985
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25-64 |
| Sample size: | Not specified |
| References: | WHO Infobase accessed 3rd May 2006. Data from 1985 CINDI study |
| Notes: | This survey covers both Serbia and Montenegro |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-9 |
| Sample size: | 3179 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Marković L, Đorđić V, Trajković N, Božić P, Halaši S, Cvejić D, Ostojić SM. Childhood Obesity in Serbia on the Rise. Children. 2021; 8(5):409. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8050409. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/5/409/htm (Last Accessed 02.06.21) |
| Notes: | COSI data. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-14 |
| Sample size: | 1285 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, Institute of Public Health of Serbia (2021). THE 2019 SERBIAN NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY. Available at https://publikacije.stat.gov.rs/G2021/pdfE/G20216003.pdf (last accessed 08.06.21) |
| Notes: | The survey had anthropometric measurements measured |
| Definitions: | No details of cut off given |
| Cutoffs: | Not available |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-9 |
| Sample size: | 4861 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Marković L, Đorđić V, Trajković N, Božić P, Halaši S, Cvejić D, Ostojić SM. Childhood Obesity in Serbia on the Rise. Children. 2021; 8(5):409. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8050409. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/5/409/htm (Last Accessed 02.06.21) |
| Notes: | COSI data. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15 |
| Sample size: | 4643 |
| References: | Personal Communication. Pavlovic M, Vukotic M, Simeunovic S, Nedeljkovie S, Ostojic M, Bajcetic M, Dimitrijevic D. Obesity in Schoolschool Children. Public Health Institiute, Subotica, Serbia & Montenegro. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3 Data is for Serbia & Montenegro Girls = 2282Boys = 2361 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10 |
| Sample size: | 5566 |
| References: | Personal Communication. Pavlovic M, Vukotic M, Simeunovic S, Nedeljkovie S, Ostojic M, Bajcetic M, Dimitrijevic D. Obesity in School Children. Public Health Institiute, Subotica, Serbia & Montenegro |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3._ This survey includes Serbia and Montenegro |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10 |
| Sample size: | 5566 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Personal Communication. Pavlovic M, Vukotic M, Simeunovic S, Nedeljkovie S, Ostojic M, Bajcetic M, Dimitrijevic D. Obesity in Schoolschool Children. Public Health Institiute, Subotica, Serbia & Montenegro |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Adults living with obesity, 1985-2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1985: WHO Infobase accessed 3rd May 2006. Data from 1985 CINDI study 2000: Health status and health needs in Serbia. Expert team of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia. 2002. Dr Ljiljana T. WHO Infobase. 2013: Maksimović MŽ, Gudelj Rakić JM, Vlajinac HD, Vasiljević ND, Nikić MI, Marinković JM. Comparison of different anthropometric measures in the adult population in Serbia as indicators of obesity: data from the National Health Survey 2013. Public Health Nutr. 2016 Feb 11:1-10. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity, 1985-2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1985: WHO Infobase accessed 3rd May 2006. Data from 1985 CINDI study 2000: Health status and health needs in Serbia. Expert team of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia. 2002. Dr Ljiljana T. WHO Infobase. 2013: Maksimović MŽ, Gudelj Rakić JM, Vlajinac HD, Vasiljević ND, Nikić MI, Marinković JM. Comparison of different anthropometric measures in the adult population in Serbia as indicators of obesity: data from the National Health Survey 2013. Public Health Nutr. 2016 Feb 11:1-10. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by age and education
Men, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 - Education EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 - Education EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Adults, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 13796 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Grujic, V. et al. (2010) 'Overweight and obesity among adults in Serbia: Results from the National Health Survey', Eat Weight Disord, 15(1-2), pp.34-42 |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by income. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-19 |
| Sample size: | 2139 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Boričić K, Simić S, Kasiljević N, et al. Risk factors associated with overweight among adolescents in Serbia. Slovenian Journal of Public Health. December 2014: 53(4):283-293. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by school success. CDC growth charts were used to calculate BMI-for-age and sex for the population of children and adolescents. Those with a BMI value higher or equal to the 85th percentile are overweight (between 85 and 95 have a high risk of obesity, and obese are those whose level is higher than or equal to 95). |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 11474 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, Institute of Public Health of Serbia (2021). THE 2019 SERBIAN NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY. Available at https://publikacije.stat.gov.rs/G2021/pdfE/G20216003.pdf (last accessed 08.06.21) |
| Notes: | Anthropometric measurements taken |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 - EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 3179 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Marković L, Đorđić V, Trajković N, Božić P, Halaši S, Cvejić D, Ostojić SM. Childhood Obesity in Serbia on the Rise. Children. 2021; 8(5):409. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8050409. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/5/409/htm (Last Accessed 02.06.21) |
| Notes: | COSI data. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Girls, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 4861 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Marković L, Đorđić V, Trajković N, Božić P, Halaši S, Cvejić D, Ostojić SM. Childhood Obesity in Serbia on the Rise. Children. 2021; 8(5):409. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8050409. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/5/409/htm (Last Accessed 02.06.21) |
| Notes: | COSI data. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by region
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-14 |
| Sample size: | 1285 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, Institute of Public Health of Serbia (2021). THE 2019 SERBIAN NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY. Available at https://publikacije.stat.gov.rs/G2021/pdfE/G20216003.pdf (last accessed 08.06.21) |
| Definitions: | No details published |
| Cutoffs: | Not available |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-19 |
| Sample size: | 2139 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Boričić K, Simić S, Kasiljević N, et al. Risk factors associated with overweight among adolescents in Serbia. Slovenian Journal of Public Health. December 2014: 53(4):283-293. |
| Notes: | CDC growth charts were used to calculate BMI-for-age and sex for the population of children and adolescents. Those with a BMI value higher or equal to the 85th percentile are overweight (between 85 and 95 have a high risk of obesity, and obese are those whose level is higher than or equal to 95). |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Adults, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 13796 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Grujic, V. et al. (2010) 'Overweight and obesity among adults in Serbia: Results from the National Health Survey', Eat Weight Disord, 15(1-2), pp.34-42 |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by income. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-19 |
| Sample size: | 2139 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Boričić K, Simić S, Kasiljević N, et al. Risk factors associated with overweight among adolescents in Serbia. Slovenian Journal of Public Health. December 2014: 53(4):283-293. |
| Notes: | CDC growth charts were used to calculate BMI-for-age and sex for the population of children and adolescents. Those with a BMI value higher or equal to the 85th percentile are overweight (between 85 and 95 have a high risk of obesity, and obese are those whose level is higher than or equal to 95). |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Estimated per capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with depression disorders |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with anxiety disorders |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2019
| Age: | 20-79 |
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
