Obesity has become a major health concern across the world, including in developed countries like Germany. This article will examine the current obesity statistics in Germany and discuss the health and economic impacts of rising obesity rates.
What is the obesity rate in Germany?
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, 23.3% of adults aged 18 years and older in Germany were obese. This translates to around 19 million obese adults in the country. The obesity rate has steadily increased over the past decades, more than doubling since the early 1990s when it stood at around 11%.
Germany’s obesity rate is lower than other developed countries like the United States which has an adult obesity rate of 36.2%, but it is still considered high by public health standards. Obesity rates among children and adolescents in Germany are also rising, reaching 15% for boys and 9% for girls in 2014.
How do obesity rates vary by gender and age in Germany?
Obesity rates differ across age groups and genders in Germany. According to data from the Robert Koch Institute, a public health agency, in 2014-2015:
- For adults 18 years and older, 24.8% of men and 21.7% of women were obese.
- In the 60-69 years age group, 34.4% of men and 28.8% of women were obese.
- Obesity rates peaked at ages 70-79 years for both genders, reaching 38.0% for men and 39.2% for women.
This data shows obesity tends to increase with age, with the highest rates seen in the older population. Men have slightly higher obesity rates than women across most age groups.
How do obesity rates vary by region in Germany?
Obesity rates in Germany also show some variation between regions. A 2019 report by the Robert Koch Institute examined obesity rates among adults by federal state:
| State | Obesity Rate |
|---|---|
| Saxony | 20.7% |
| Hamburg | 21.3% |
| Bremen | 24.4% |
| Lower Saxony | 26.0% |
| Berlin | 26.0% |
The states with the lowest obesity rates were in eastern Germany like Saxony, while higher rates were seen in northern states like Lower Saxony. The city-states of Hamburg and Berlin had slightly lower obesity compared to the national average of 23.3%. Regional variations are likely driven by differences in diet, lifestyle, urbanization, and demographics.
What factors contribute to obesity in Germany?
Some of the key factors driving Germany’s rising obesity rates include:
- Diet – Increased consumption of energy-dense, high-fat and high-sugar foods. Declining vegetable intake.
- Physical inactivity – Sedentary lifestyles, less leisure time physical activity.
- Food environment – Easy access to unhealthy processed foods high in fat, salt and sugar.
- Portion sizes – Larger portion sizes in restaurants and food outlets.
- Smoking decline – Lower smoking rates mean reduced metabolic rate and risk of weight gain.
- Genetics and social factors – Family history, education, income, and stress also influence obesity risk.
Public health efforts in Germany have sought to promote healthier diets, physical activity, and policies targeting the food environment. But rising obesity indicates more interventions are needed.
What health problems are caused by obesity in Germany?
The increasing prevalence of obesity in Germany has led to higher rates of chronic diseases like:
- Type 2 diabetes – About 90% of adults with diabetes have excess weight. Obesity is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular disease – Obesity leads to hypertension, high cholesterol, heart attack and stroke risk.
- Cancers – Being overweight increases risks of cancers like breast, colon, kidney, pancreas, and liver cancer.
- Osteoarthritis – Extra weight puts pressure on joints, causing cartilage breakdown.
- Breathing problems – Excess fat in chest and abdomen can cause sleep apnea and asthma.
Obesity reduces life expectancy and is estimated to account for nearly 10% of total healthcare costs in Germany. Reducing obesity would lead to major health benefits.
What is the economic impact of obesity in Germany?
The rising treatment costs for obesity-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease have increased the economic burden of obesity in Germany. A 2010 study estimated that the direct costs of treating obesity were over 15 billion euros per year in Germany. And indirect costs from lost productivity due to obesity were estimated at a further 6 billion euros annually.
Some specific economic impacts include:
- Higher health insurance spending on medications, doctor visits and hospitalizations.
- Reduced workplace productivity and increased absenteeism.
- Premature mortality results in loss of economic output.
- Disability payments for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
Tackling obesity rates would result in substantial cost savings for Germany’s economy and healthcare system.
What public health initiatives aim to reduce obesity in Germany?
Some initiatives by government and public health organizations to address obesity in Germany include:
- The National Action Plan “IN FORM” – A national program promoting healthy diets and exercise.
- Limiting junk food marketing to kids – Bans on advertising to children under 14 years.
- Healthier school meals – Requiring balanced meals in school canteens.
- Food labeling – Clear nutrition information on packaged foods.
- Sugar taxes – Higher taxes on sugary soda drinks to discourage consumption.
- Workplace wellness programs – Company initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Urban planning for active transport – Improving infrastructure for walking and cycling.
However, the continued rise in obesity suggests these efforts have not yet been effective enough. More comprehensive policy and environmental changes are still needed.
What lifestyle changes can reduce obesity risk in Germany?
Individuals in Germany can reduce their risk of obesity by making lifestyle changes like:
- Choosing healthier foods – Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Limiting processed junk foods high in sugar and fat.
- Watching portion sizes – Consuming smaller, reasonable portions especially of calorie-dense foods.
- Exercising regularly – Aiming for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week like brisk walking.
- Limiting sedentary time – Reducing prolonged sitting and recreational screen time.
- Getting adequate sleep – Aim for 7-8 hours per night of quality sleep.
- Managing stress – Using relaxation techniques and getting social support.
Making long-term sustainable changes to diet and lifestyle can help Germans attain and maintain a healthy body weight.
Conclusion
Obesity rates in Germany have risen significantly over the past decades, with over 23% of German adults now considered obese. This has led to major health impacts like increased rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancers and other chronic conditions. The economic costs are also staggering, estimated at over 20 billion euros per year. While government initiatives aim to promote healthier lifestyles, rates are still rising indicating more comprehensive efforts are needed across policy, healthcare, schools, workplaces and urban planning. Individual Germans can also make important lifestyle changes to reduce their personal obesity risks. Addressing obesity should be a top public health priority to stem the rising health and economic burden.