“The vision of the program is to change the perception of obesity as a chronic disease and ensure better prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment. Key is collaboration across society – from public administration to healthcare professionals and the public. The focus is on improving health literacy, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and a multidisciplinary approach to improve population health and reduce future healthcare costs,” explains Prof. MUDr. Vlastimil Válek, CSc., MBA, EBIR, Minister of Health.

Obesity is a chronic disease, with hereditary factors contributing to over 50 % of its development. It is a major risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal damage, and various cancers.

“This is not just an aesthetic issue. Modern medicine offers effective treatment options – lifestyle changes, innovative medications to help manage weight, and for severe cases, bariatric and endoscopic procedures that significantly improve patients’ health,” adds Prof. MUDr. Martin Haluzík, DrSc., Head of the IKEM Center for Diabetology and lead researcher at the CarDia National Institute.

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