According to Gram Research analysis, a 2026 Croatian national study of 786 older adults found that 78.5% are overweight or obese, with significant differences in eating patterns between those aged 65-74 and those 75 and older. Both age groups consumed insufficient nutrient-dense foods and fluids compared to health recommendations, though physical activity level influenced diet differently depending on age.
A major study of 786 older adults in Croatia reveals important differences in how people eat and their health as they age. Researchers found that nearly 4 out of 5 older Croatians are overweight or obese, and that younger seniors (ages 65-74) and older seniors (75+) have different eating patterns. The study shows that many older adults aren’t eating enough nutrient-rich foods and drinking enough fluids. These findings help doctors and health officials understand what older people in Croatia need to stay healthy and active.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 786 older adults in Croatia found that 78.5% were classified as overweight or obese, with only 21.5% maintaining normal weight.
According to research reviewed by Gram, in the 65-74 age group, body mass index significantly affected energy intake and fat consumption, while in those 75 and older, physical activity level had a greater influence on carbohydrate and dairy product intake.
The Croatian national food consumption survey of 786 seniors revealed that intake of nutrient-dense foods and fluids fell below recommendations in both age groups studied.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How much food and what types of nutrients older adults in Croatia eat, and whether their weight and exercise habits affect their diet
- Who participated: 786 people aged 65 and older living in Croatia, split into two groups: those 65-74 years old and those 75 and older
- Key finding: 78.5% of older Croatians are overweight or obese, and both age groups aren’t eating enough nutrient-rich foods and fluids compared to health recommendations
- What it means for you: If you’re an older adult, this research suggests paying attention to eating more nutrient-dense foods (like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) and drinking enough water. Talk to your doctor about your weight and diet, especially if you’re less physically active.
The Research Details
Researchers used data from Croatia’s National Food Consumption Survey, which collected detailed information about what people eat. They asked 786 older adults to describe everything they ate over two days using either recall interviews or food diaries. They also measured people’s height and weight, and asked about their physical activity levels using a standard questionnaire. The researchers then compared eating patterns between the younger group (65-74) and older group (75+) to see if age made a difference in what and how much people ate.
This type of study is important because it gives a real-world picture of what people actually eat, not just what they think they should eat. By looking at a large, representative group of older Croatians, the findings can help guide public health programs and policies designed to keep older people healthy. Understanding how weight and exercise affect diet helps doctors give better advice to their patients.
This study is reliable because it used a large sample of 786 people selected to represent the broader Croatian population. Researchers used standardized methods from the European Food Safety Authority, which means the data collection was consistent and scientific. However, because this is a snapshot in time (not following people over months or years), it shows what’s happening now but can’t prove that one thing causes another.
What the Results Show
The most striking finding is that 78.5% of older Croatians are overweight or obese—meaning only 21.5% have a normal, healthy weight. This is a serious public health concern. The study also found important differences between the two age groups. In the younger group (65-74 years), body weight was strongly connected to how much fat people ate and how much meat, poultry, fish, and eggs they consumed. In the older group (75+), physical activity level mattered more—people who were more active ate different amounts of carbohydrates and dairy products. Both age groups fell short of recommended intake for nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and many weren’t drinking enough fluids.
The research revealed that energy intake (total calories) differed between age groups, with the younger seniors generally consuming more calories. Physical activity appeared to play a protective role in the older group, suggesting that staying active may help maintain better eating habits. The study also highlighted that fluid intake was inadequate in both groups, which is concerning because older adults need proper hydration to stay healthy.
This is the first comprehensive national study of its kind in Croatia, so it provides a new baseline for understanding older Croatian adults’ nutrition. Similar studies in other European countries have found comparable rates of overweight and obesity in older populations, suggesting this is a widespread issue across Europe. The finding that physical activity influences diet differently in older versus younger seniors adds nuance to previous research that often treats all older adults as one group.
Because this study captured data at one point in time, we can’t say whether eating habits cause weight gain or if weight affects eating choices. The study relied on people remembering what they ate, which can be inaccurate. Additionally, the research doesn’t explain why these patterns exist—it just shows what’s happening. Results apply specifically to Croatia and may differ in other countries with different food cultures and healthcare systems.
The Bottom Line
Older adults should focus on eating more nutrient-dense foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins) and drinking adequate fluids daily. Staying physically active appears to support better eating habits, especially for those 75 and older. If you’re overweight, work with your doctor on a gradual, sustainable approach to weight management rather than crash dieting. These recommendations are supported by strong evidence from this large, representative study.
This research is most relevant to older adults (65+) in Croatia and similar European populations. Healthcare providers, public health officials, and policymakers should use these findings to design nutrition programs for seniors. Family members of older adults should also pay attention, as they can help support healthy eating habits. The findings may be less directly applicable to younger people or those in very different climates or food cultures.
Changes in eating habits typically take 4-8 weeks to become routine. You might notice improved energy and digestion within 2-3 weeks of eating more nutrient-dense foods. Weight changes, if needed, usually take 3-6 months to become noticeable. Consistency matters more than perfection—small, sustainable changes work better than dramatic overhauls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of older adults in Croatia are overweight or obese?
78.5% of older Croatians aged 65 and older are overweight or obese according to a 2026 national study of 786 participants. Only 21.5% maintain a normal, healthy weight.
Do older adults eat differently based on their age?
Yes. The study found that those 65-74 years old showed stronger connections between body weight and fat intake, while those 75+ showed more influence from physical activity levels on their eating patterns.
Are older adults in Croatia eating enough fruits and vegetables?
No. The research shows that both age groups of older Croatians consume less nutrient-dense foods than health experts recommend, including insufficient vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
How does physical activity affect what older adults eat?
In adults 75 and older, higher physical activity levels were associated with different carbohydrate and dairy product intake patterns, suggesting exercise may influence dietary choices in this age group.
What should older adults do to improve their nutrition?
Focus on eating more nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, drink adequate fluids daily, and stay physically active. Consult your doctor about personalized nutrition goals, especially regarding weight management.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log daily fluid intake (target: 6-8 glasses of water) and track servings of nutrient-dense foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains). Set a weekly goal of 150 minutes of physical activity spread across the week.
- Use the app to plan one additional vegetable or fruit serving per day, and set reminders to drink water throughout the day. If you’re less active, start with a 10-minute daily walk and gradually increase duration.
- Review weekly summaries of nutrient-dense food intake and fluid consumption. Track weight monthly rather than daily to avoid discouragement. Monitor energy levels and how you feel as primary indicators of improvement, not just numbers on a scale.
This research provides important information about nutrition patterns in older adults but should not replace personalized medical advice. If you’re an older adult with concerns about your weight, diet, or health, consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. This study was conducted in Croatia and may not apply equally to all populations. Individual nutritional needs vary based on health conditions, medications, and personal circumstances.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.