Czechia’s real crisis of poor lifestyles, mental health, money, and alcohol

When it comes to caring for their own health, people in Czechia face a tangle of challenges: mental health struggles, social media obsession, overconsuming alcohol, inconsistent preventive care, and poor lifestyle habits, to name a few.

A seminal new international study from Stada, a major producer of medicines and food supplements, has found that just one-third of Czechia’s population considers their lifestyle truly healthy: the lowest out of all European and Central Asian countries surveyed.

Money, age, and digital habits all combine to play a multifaceted and major role, which can pose real harm to individual wellbeing and societal health, and necessitate important changes and prevention, such as adequate supplementation, the pharmaceutical player explains.

Martin Šlégl, CEO of Stada Czech Republic, warned at a press conference Wednesday: “Mental health represents a ticking time bomb. It’s often an overlooked part of our overall health, yet it has a clear impact on trust in the healthcare system, satisfaction with it, and overall behavior in health issues. It can also have significant economic consequences.” 

Nearly half of Czechs (42 percent) report mental health issues, above the European average of 36 percent.

However, only 6 percent seek professional help. For many, cost is prohibitive; for others, therapy feels ineffective or unsupported by loved ones.

The overall result? A widespread, mostly invisible challenge affecting work, relationships, and everyday life. Younger generations are especially at risk, highlighting the urgent need for broader systemic support, Stada explains.

Here’s a shocking stat: Czechs under 35 are Europe’s heaviest social media users, with more than three-quarters saying they spend too much time online. Over 40 percent use social media to distract from problems, 20 percent to relieve stress, and 18 percent to help sleep. While 42 percent check networks “compulsively every day,” fewer than 15 percent admit to addiction. 

Šlégl commented on this trend: “The fact that we are number one in this category is a bit of a sad picture.” Stada experts warn that apps, networks, and online content deliver “cheap dopamine,” creating a subtle crisis of meaning in everyday life.

Alcohol remains a persistent challenge. Nine percent of men in Czechia drink daily, one-third of the populace “at least once per week,” and 18 percent several times a week. Men drink frequently more than women overall (43 percent versus 22 percent).

While some drink to relax, feel happy, or relieve stress, a surprising number cannot even identify a reason: 33 percent of women and 22 percent of men. Yet, there is hope: younger generations are more conscious of health and increasingly motivated to change habits.

Preventive check-ups are on the rise, with 75 percent of Czechs attending some or all recommended visits. People over 55 are most active in this regard, with 26 percent attending regularly. However, just 40 percent of people say “preventive examinations are meaningful and important.”

Motivation comes from wanting reassurance that everything is fine (55 percent). Still, gaps remain: one-third don’t know which exams to undergo, and 19 percent are unsure which are covered by insurance. Overall, 23 percent say all services they use are fully covered.

Expats in Czechia may face further issues accessing preventative care due to language barriers. Unicare Medical Center in Prague offers a fluent-English service; in the words of the established health service, it is made “by expats for expats.”

Money shapes more than habits. It determines health in many senses. Among Czechs struggling financially, only 20 percent describe their lifestyle as healthy, compared to 62 percent of those who say they are financially secure.

What’s more, 28 percent of people in Czechia “cite financial costs as a limiting factor” in accessing good healthcare. Almost one-third of women in Czechia “are struggling with the financial burden associated with a healthy lifestyle.”

“At a time when crises, inflation, and economic challenges are affecting the entire continent, the close link between income and health can pose a serious threat,” Stada notes.

Financial difficulties also correlate with preventive care. This means that many resort to using artificial intelligence online for medical advice, which is inherently risky. Resources, awareness, and support play a major role in shaping overall well-being.

Preventive care, diet, exercise, and mental health support all depend on resources and awareness.

Aging and care for seniors are on the national radar. Currently, just 13 percent of Czechs would consider living in a nursing home (in the future), 30 percent are undecided, and 56 percent reject the idea outright. 

When it comes to placing a loved one in care, 32 percent would consider it, often due to special care needs (61 percent) or the inability to physically provide care at home (41 percent). 

Stada says that attitudes vary by financial situation, but safety, cultural expectations, and quality of life dominate decisions.

Czechs largely trust their healthcare system, with 70 percent expressing confidence in doctors, especially specialists, followed by general practitioners and pharmacists. Fewer than a quarter rely on online sources for health advice, and AI is even less trusted. 

Stada highlights the need for greater guidance and systemic support. Europeans, and Czechs in particular, want to live healthier, more balanced lives, but motivation often collides with systemic limitations. 

In Czechia, preventive care, mental health support, and lifestyle improvements all depend on accessible guidance from trusted professionals, consistent reminders, and a healthcare system that feels fair.