Czechia to revamp outdated nutrition guidelines amid alarming obesity rates

In response to rising obesity rates, the Czech Republic is updating its national nutritional guidelines for the first time in nearly 20 years. The new recommendations, due by 2027, aim to combat obesity and chronic diseases, offering scientifically-backed advice for healthier eating.

Obesity has become a major health concern in the Czech Republic, with 26 percent of adults affected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Poor dietary habits contribute to nearly a quarter of preventable deaths, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports.

"We've lacked official nutritional recommendations for years," said MUDr. Eliška Selinger, a nutritional epidemiologist at the State Institute of Public Health (SZÚ). "With updated data on Czech diets, we can now create realistic, effective guidelines."

The last official guidelines were issued in 2005 and no longer reflect current knowledge. For instance, the outdated recommendations focus on Body Mass Index (BMI) and downplay alcohol’s cancer risk, while newer global standards emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and limiting sugar and industrially processed foods. 

"We need to align with current scientific understanding," said MUDr. Barbora Macková, chief hygienist and SZÚ director in a press release. "Countries worldwide now prioritize healthier food choices, and it's time for the Czech guidelines to catch up."

A working group of experts from various fields, including medicine, public health, and sociology, has started the process. The WHO’s Czech office will provide additional support, and broad consultations will allow input from health professionals and the food industry.

"These guidelines must be based on solid science, free from commercial pressures," said Selinger. "Public health must come first."

The final recommendations will be shaped by research on food’s impact on health, Czech eating habits, and disease data. A draft is expected by the end of 2025, with final guidelines set for 2027.

Dr. Zsofia Pusztai of the WHO welcomed the initiative. "Evidence-based, independent guidelines are essential for improving health outcomes in the Czech Republic," she said. "We must ensure they remain free from undue commercial influence."

The update to the dietary recommendations is part of the Czech Republic's National Cardiovascular Plan 2025-2035, approved by the government late last year. The plan aims to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of death, accounting for up to one-third of fatalities. The Czech Republic also plans to apply for funding from the European Union to support the initiative.