Introduction: obesity is a serious public health problem that is defined as excessive accumulation of fat tissue in the body, with a body mass index (BMI) above 24.9 kg/m² representing obesity. Obesity reduces the quality of life and can cause a number of serious health problems. Despite prevention efforts, obesity rates are rising worldwide, especially in Europe and the US. Objective: to evaluate the attitudes and beliefs of students in the Varaždin Student Dormitory about the causes of obesity. Methods: The research was conducted on students with the help of an anonymous survey in Google Forms format, available to members of the Facebook group "Studentski dom Varaždin". The research used the original questionnaire "The measurement of attitudes toward and beliefs about obese persons" developed by Allison D. B., Basile V. C. & Yuker H. E. (1991), published in the "International Journal of Eating Disorders". Results: The results showed a high awareness of the respondents about obesity and its impact on life. Most respondents agreed that obesity is caused by lack of physical activity and bad eating habits. Discussion: Prevention of obesity through the promotion of healthy eating habits and physical activity from childhood is essential to reducing global obesity rates. Education of young people and raising awareness about obesity play an important role in the fight against this epidemic. Physiotherapy is also useful in the rehabilitation of obese people, reducing pain and pressure on joint structures.