Despite health education campaigns, obesity is still a problem in Czechoslovakia. A nationwide study of obesity was conducted to investigate the prevalence of obesity. In order to define possible causes, supplementary information was obtained on dietary patterns, attitudes towards food and body weight, and motivation for weight reduction.
The studies showed obesity to be more prevalent in women than men. The highest rates were found in Bohemia and Moravia. Despite difficulties in comparing studies made elsewhere it is believed that obesity in Czechoslovakia may be a greater problem than in other countries.
Obesity was related to high calorie intakes and inactivity. The percentage of obese persons in the population increased with age.
A high percentage of subjects were satisfied with their weight. Although obese subjects appeared to be aware of the hazards of obesity many still associated excess weight with well being. Few of those persons who considered obesity to be adverse to health were prepared to take action to check it. Health grounds as a general argument can not be used in favour of weight reduction.