[What diseases and risks cause health losses in Hungary?]

Using Global Burden of Disease 2023 data, this study examines the structure of health losses in Hungary, focusing on diseases, risk factors, and international comparisons.

To identify which diseases and risk factors contribute most to Hungary's health burden, how these relate to disability and premature mortality, and how patterns differ by gender and in comparison, with Central European countries.

Age-standardized values per 100,000 inhabitants, broken down by gender and disease/risk category, were analyzed for Hungary and compared with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia.

Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders caused the largest losses. High blood pressure was the leading risk factor. Premature mortality was substantially higher in Hungary; men showed especially elevated levels due to smoking, diet, and hypertension. Morbidity-related losses were dominated by musculoskeletal and mental disorders.

Hungary's burden stems not only from mortality but also from chronic disabling conditions. The mortality component is particularly unfavourable in international comparison.

Improving treatment quality, timely care, and early diagnosis is essential, while reducing morbidity requires stronger long-term care and rehabilitation. Effective policy should complement lifestyle-focused prevention with better access to high-quality curative care and gender-responsive interventions. Consistent use of objective burden-of-disease data can support decision-making. A systemic approach - combining prevention, supportive environments, and a strengthened healthcare system - is needed to reduce health losses in Hungary. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(6): 232-242.