Half of 13-Year-Olds in the Czech Republic Are Overweight

According to recent statistics, only half of children in the Czech Republic are of normal weight by the age of 13, with approximately 15% classified as obese.

In response to this growing issue, the Ministry of Health launched the Buď Fit 24 campaign on Friday, aimed at helping overweight children aged six to 11 achieve a healthier lifestyle.

As part of the program, 1,000 children will participate in a year-long initiative involving a mobile application under the supervision of pediatricians. Participants will receive fitness bracelets to monitor their physical activity.

Childhood Obesity in Numbers

Data from the Czech Statistical Office in 2021 estimated there were around 673,000 children in this age group. That same year, a survey by pediatricians revealed that 10% of children were overweight, while 16% were obese.

“The proportion of obese children who do not engage in regular physical activity is increasing, partly due to the impact of the Covid pandemic. During this period, children were unable to attend school, participate in sports, or join extracurricular clubs,” stated Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09).

Preventing obesity early—when children are overweight but not yet obese—is crucial, Válek emphasized, as obesity can lead to long-term health complications such as diabetes, digestive disorders, heart disease, and developmental issues.

A Reversible Condition

Pediatric cardiologist and project author Petr Jehlička highlighted the importance of addressing childhood obesity early. “Overweight children are an ideal target group for preventive programs because their health condition is still reversible. With proper intervention, these children have a chance to return to a healthy weight,” he explained. Jehlička also emphasized the necessity of involving the entire family in lifestyle changes, a core component of the Buď Fit 24 campaign.

Program Details

Parents interested in participating in the project can consult their pediatric general practitioners. The Ministry of Health plans to involve approximately 100 doctors in this pilot program. Participating children will undergo an initial examination, followed by progress checks every three months, during which their height, weight, and blood pressure will be measured.

Each child will also receive a smart bracelet to monitor their activity levels and a unique ID for the mobile application. For one week each month, children will record their dietary habits in the app. Completing tasks within the program will allow participants to earn rewards and create personalized superhero characters, adding an engaging element to the initiative.

The application, which is free to download, is compatible with Garmin devices, allowing public participation beyond the pilot program.

Cost and Future Funding

The development and three-year operation of the program cost 13 million crowns, funded by the European Union. If the program proves successful, it could be sustained through prevention funds from health insurance companies, according to Minister Válek. “The application is designed to continue operating at minimal cost once established,” added Jehlička.

Alongside the app, an educational website has been launched to support the initiative. Participating general practitioners will receive regular updates on their patients’ progress, and the collected data will also contribute to future projects focused on preventing childhood obesity.

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