25 percent of Germans are too fat

Many Germans are morbidly overweight

08/07/2013

Almost 25 percent of people in Germany suffer from morbid, severe overweight (obesity). This has resulted in an investigation by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). According to this, especially women from educationally disadvantaged strata are affected by obesity. The causes of this dramatic development are obvious: lack of exercise and an unhealthy, high-fat and high-sugar diet.

Are the Germans getting fatter?
According to the latest health monitoring of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), a quarter of Germans are severely overweight. From the age of 30 years, the problem mainly occurs in the less educated classes, especially in women. Overall, 23 percent of men and 24 percent of women are affected by obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) divides obesity into three severity levels. Grade one is at a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30.0 to 34.9, Grade Two at a BMI of 35.0 to 39.9 and the third severity grade at a BMI of 40.0 and more. For comparison: WHO defines normal weight with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.

Overall, two-thirds of men and half of women were overweight (BMI 25.0 to 29.9), as the analysis showed. They bring more than normal weight on the scales and have an increased body fat percentage.

As reported by the Techniker-Krankenkasse (TK), the number of surgeries nationwide among its insured persons increased by 65 percent from 2009 to 2012 (to 2,813).

Health consequences of obesity
This development has dramatic consequences. With (strong) weight gain increases the risk of diet-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolism disorders, arterial hypertension (hypertension) and other cardiovascular diseases. The latter are still the number one killer in Germany.

Overall, the quality of life of those affected suffers and not least burdened the psyche. This already starts with the teasing of their classmates. Because more and more children are already overweighted.

In addition to tobacco and alcohol consumption, obesity is an avoidable health risk factor that can be prevented with a healthy diet and sufficient exercise. Health insurance companies offer appropriate advice for the overweight.

Image: Petra Bork