Germany
High income
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *7/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *6.5/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
Report cards
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Population breakdowns
Drivers
Insufficient activity
Sugar consumption
Soft drink consumption
Confectionery consumption
Sweet/savoury snack consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
Anxiety
Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Unaffordable diet
Comorbidities
Economic impact
Policies
Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat 2019. Data available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014-2015
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 24824 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Schienkiewitz, A, et al. “Overweight and Obesity among Adults in Germany.” Journal of Health Monitoring, vol. 2, no. 2, 2017, edoc.rki.de/bitstream/handle/176904/2663/22n7R61x8fzk.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y, DOI 10.17886/RKI-GBE-2017-038. Accessed 8 Apr. 2021. |
| Notes: | Data is from the GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS study |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2008-2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-79 |
| Sample size: | 7116 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | G.B.M. Mensink. A. Schienkiewitz. M. Haftenberger. T. Lampert. T. Ziese. C. Scheidt-Nave. Overweight and obesity in Germany. Results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)Bundesgesundheitsbl 2013. DOI 10.1007/s00103-012-1656-3 (English supplement available online http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00103-012-1656-3 last accessed 28th May 2013) |
| Notes: | NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 30.09.20)' |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2005-2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-80 |
| Sample size: | 13207 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection and Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Germany, Report of Results 2008 (http://www.bmelv.de/cln_045/nn_1196770/sharedDocs/downloads/03-Ernaehrung/NVS2/NVS_Ergebnisbericht,templateId=raw,property=publicationFile.pdf/NVS_Ergebnisbericht.pdf) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| Sample size: | 3807 |
| References: | Helmert U, Strube H. Die Entwicklung der Adipositas in Desutschland im Zeitraum von 1985 bis 2002. Gesundheitswesesn 2004;66:409-415 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Yearbook 2006/07. A goldmine of statistical information. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/5059290/1-20022007-BP-EN.PDF.pdf/edab8c31-b9f3-4c8e-b4db-4137bd045efa?t=1414683510000 (last accessed 04.11.21) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1991
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| Sample size: | 7398 |
| References: | Helmert U, Strube H. Die Entwicklung der Adipositas in Desutschland im Zeitraum von 1985 bis 2002. Gesundheitswesesn 2004;66:409-415 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2022-2024
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8 |
| Area covered: | Subnational - Bremen |
| References: | WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI): A brief review of results from round 6 of COSI (2022-2024). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Notes: | Germany data is only for Bremen. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2021-2022
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13 |
| References: | Rakic JG, Hamrik Z, Dzielska A, Felder-Puig R, Oja L, Bakalár P et al. A focus on adolescent physical activity, eating behaviours, weight status and body image in Europe, central Asia and Canada. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) international report from the 2021/2022 survey. Volume 4. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024. 'Any translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition' |
| Notes: | HBSC aims to survey approximately 1500 pupils per age group in each country or region (totaling around 4500) |
| Cutoffs: | +2SD |
Children, 2018-2020
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8 |
| Sample size: | 1083 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Notes: | City of Bremen only |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2014-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 3-17 |
| Sample size: | 3,567 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Schienkiewitz A, Damerow S and Rosario AS. 2018. Prävalenz von Untergewicht, Übergewicht und Adipositas bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland – Einordnung der Ergebnisse aus KiGGS Welle 2 nach internationalen Referenzsystemen. Journal of Health and Monitoring. 3(3). DOI 10.17886/RKI-GBE-2018-080 |
| Definitions: | IOTF cut-offs used (WHO cut off data also available in paper) |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-16 |
| Sample size: | 5623 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Blüher S, Meigen C, Gausche R, et al. Age-specific stabilization in obesity prevalence in German children: a cross-sectional study from 1999 to 2008. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011;6(2-2):e199-e206. doi:10.3109/17477166.2010.526305 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2004
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-16 |
| Sample size: | 8690 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Blüher S, Meigen C, Gausche R, et al. Age-specific stabilization in obesity prevalence in German children: a cross-sectional study from 1999 to 2008. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011;6(2-2):e199-e206. doi:10.3109/17477166.2010.526305 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2003-2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-17 |
| Sample size: | 15662 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Kurth BM & Schaffrath RA. 2007. The prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescent s living in Germany. Results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). Bundesgesundheitsblatt, 50: 736 - 743. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2002-2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-17 |
| Sample size: | 12863 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Kurth & Schaffrath Rosario, The prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescents living in Germany. Results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), Bundesgesundheitsblatt 2007; |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-16 |
| Sample size: | 6689 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Blüher S, Meigen C, Gausche R, et al. Age-specific stabilization in obesity prevalence in German children: a cross-sectional study from 1999 to 2008. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011;6(2-2):e199-e206. doi:10.3109/17477166.2010.526305 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1992
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-6 |
| Sample size: | 16281 |
| References: | Kalies H, Lenz J, von Kries R. Prevalence of overweight and obesity and trends in body mass index in German pre-school children, 1982-1997. International Journal of Obesity 2002;26:1211-1217 |
| Notes: | Sample size number included for the duration of the study from 1982 - 1997 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1982
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-6 |
| Sample size: | 16281 |
| References: | Kalies H, Lenz J, von Kries R. Prevalence of overweight and obesity and trends in body mass index in German pre-school children, 1982-1997. International Journal of Obesity 2002;26:1211-1217 |
| Notes: | Sample size number included for the duration of the study from 1982 - 1997 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
0-5 years, 2014-2017
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 446 |
| References: | Other: German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents KiGGS Wave 2: 2014-2017 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2003-2006
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4173 |
| References: | Other: German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), Baseline Study: 2003-2006 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Girls, 2003-2006
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4174 |
| References: | Other: German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), Baseline Study: 2003-2006 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Adult trend obesity 1998 2019
Men
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | 1998: Eurostat Yearbook 2006/07. A goldmine of statistical information. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/5059290/1-20022007-BP-EN.PDF.pdf/edab8c31-b9f3-4c8e-b4db-4137bd045efa?t=1414683510000 (last accessed 04.11.21) 2014: Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) 2019: Eurostat 2019. Data available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | 1998: Eurostat Yearbook 2006/07. A goldmine of statistical information. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/5059290/1-20022007-BP-EN.PDF.pdf/edab8c31-b9f3-4c8e-b4db-4137bd045efa?t=1414683510000 (last accessed 04.11.21) 2014: Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) 2019: Eurostat 2019. Data available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Children living with overweight or obesity in Germany 2000-2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Blüher S, Meigen C, Gausche R, et al. Age-specific stabilization in obesity prevalence in German children: a cross-sectional study from 1999 to 2008. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011;6(2-2):e199-e206. doi:10.3109/17477166.2010.526305Blüher S, Meigen C, Gausche R, et al. Age-specific stabilization in obesity prevalence in German children: a cross-sectional study from 1999 to 2008. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011;6(2-2):e199-e206. doi:10.3109/17477166.2010.526305Blüher S, Meigen C, Gausche R, et al. Age-specific stabilization in obesity prevalence in German children: a cross-sectional study from 1999 to 2008. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011;6(2-2):e199-e206. doi:10.3109/17477166.2010.526305 |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Trend adult overweight obesity 1998 2019
Men
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | 1998: Eurostat Yearbook 2006/07. A goldmine of statistical information. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/5059290/1-20022007-BP-EN.PDF.pdf/edab8c31-b9f3-4c8e-b4db-4137bd045efa?t=1414683510000 (last accessed 04.11.21) 2014: Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) 2019: Eurostat 2019. Data available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | 1998: Eurostat Yearbook 2006/07. A goldmine of statistical information. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/5059290/1-20022007-BP-EN.PDF.pdf/edab8c31-b9f3-4c8e-b4db-4137bd045efa?t=1414683510000 (last accessed 04.11.21) 2014: Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) 2019: Eurostat 2019. Data available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
