Excess weight is now more common than a healthy weight in the Czech Republic.

Fresh data show that the average body mass index of people aged 16 and over has climbed to 26.4, above the medical threshold of 25 that defines the upper boundary of a healthy range. Three years ago, the figure stood at 26.2. In 2017, it was 25.2.

The findings come from a nationwide survey of 8,500 households conducted last spring as part of the country’s annual monitoring of living conditions. Participants reported their height, weight, diet and level of physical activity. Researchers calculated BMI by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

The data indicate that more than one in five adults is obese. The rate reaches 22 percent among men and 19 percent among women. Mild overweight is even more widespread. It affects nearly 45 percent of men and close to one third of women. As a result, only 32 percent of men and 47 percent of women fall within the healthy weight range.

Yet the survey also points to a shift in exercise habits. Daily physical activity lasting at least ten minutes and causing heavier breathing and a faster heartbeat is reported by 21 percent of men and 22 percent of women. In 2022, the figures were 15 and 16 percent respectively. Those exercising several times a week now account for 40 percent of men and 36 percent of women, up from 35 and 31 percent three years ago.

The share of men who rarely or never exercise has dropped sharply, from half to 39 percent. Among women, the figure remains steady at 42 percent.

Eating patterns show further contrasts between the sexes. Just over half of women eat fruit and vegetables daily, compared with 43 percent of men. Meat products are consumed every day by 68 percent of men and 55 percent of women. A small minority report almost never eating fruit — 9 percent of men and 4 percent of women. Meat is excluded from the diet by 5 percent of men and 7 percent of women.

Alcohol consumption also differs. More than a quarter of men drink alcohol daily or almost daily, compared with 9 percent of women. At the same time, 29 percent of women and 17 percent of men say they never drink. Daily smoking is reported by 24 percent of men and 17 percent of women, while most respondents say they have quit.

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