Czech Republic faces high obesity rates and significant food waste

The Czech Republic faces significant public health and economic challenges regarding obesity and food waste. According to Eurostat data, more than 20% of the Czech population suffers from obesity, a rate notably higher than the European Union average of 17%. Medical experts link this trend to sedentary lifestyles, stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep, warning that obesity increases risks for complications such as gestational diabetes.

Simultaneously, food waste remains a major issue for Czech households, which are responsible for approximately 31% of the country's total food waste. The average person generates about 91 kilograms of food waste annually, with over 37 kilograms of edible food ending up in mixed waste. Experts suggest that families can reduce these losses—which can cost a four-person household between 10,000 and 20,000 CZK per year—through better meal planning, avoiding bulk buying solely for discounts, and repurposing wilted vegetables for soups or sauces.