Why Czechs are getting rounder

Those of you who listened to Friday's broadcast are aware of the European Obesity Congress, which came to an end in Prague on Saturday. Two and a half thousand experts in the field came together to ask why the world is getting rounder and what can be done to stop this development. Statistics show that the Czech Republic, alongside few other European countries like Greece and Britain, has one of the highest obesity rates in the world. The question that comes to my mind is why and why now? What did Czechs do fifty years ago that they're not doing today?

Why Czechs are getting rounder

Part of the answer came to me just yesterday, when a young man called my office and asked about summer camps in the Czech Republic. To my embarrassment, I was unable to give him any information as to who he should call, how much it would cost to spend a few weeks at a camp, and where some of the most popular ones are. Later that day, I asked a few friends and colleagues what had happened to all the camps or "tabory" as they are called in Czech. That, of course, led to a two-hour exchange of wild stories and great adventures at camp but no real answer. Although, one thing was clear. Back in the Communist days, many more children spent significantly more time outside in the fresh air and the countryside. Today, summer camps are more expensive, less attractive, and most probably less in number. But that mainly explains why Czech kids are putting on the pounds (naturally, we shouldn't forget the impact computers, the internet, and other modern technology like VCRs and DVDs have been making).

Photo: archive of Radio Prague

An interesting point that was raised at the conference with regards to obese adults was in reaction to the difference between people in the Czech Republic and those from nearby western countries who live in the same climate and seem to lead similar lives, such as neighbouring Austria, for example. While close to a quarter of the Czech population are obese, in Austria the numbers are significantly lower, not even reaching fifteen percent. A simple explanation is that under Communism, Czechs, as well as other Central and Eastern European states, were pushed into growing and producing food that is primarily filling and provides energy. That's why dishes like "knedlo, vepro, zelo", which is pork with dumplings, and sauerkraut were and still are so popular, as well as relatively cheap compared to other less traditional dishes. Czechs also eat lots of potatoes and creamy sauces. So, the question I should really be asking is what did Czechs do fifty years ago, that has changed their shapes today? They simply started growing the wrong food and putting on the pounds back then and are obese now!

While those in the towns and cities have easier access to more healthy foods and are therefore more willing to correct their eating habits, try telling those in the country - a place where pig slaughter parties are feasts and events of the year - to give up their home-made sausages and potato salads!