Overweight and obesity among adults in Germany - Results from GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity and their associated secondary diseases are of high public health relevance. Methods: Self-reported body weight and body height data are available in the study German Health Update (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS). The body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was calculated and overweight (including obesity, BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were derived. Results: According to this self-report, 53.5% of adults in Germany are overweight, men more often than women. The obesity prevalence for both sexes is 19.0%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increases with age in both women and men. Obesity is significantly more prevalent in low education groups compared to high education groups. Compared to GEDA 2012, the prevalence of overweight is unchanged, but the obesity prevalence has continued to increase, particularly among 45- to 64-year-olds. Conclusion: The prevention potential of avoiding overweight and obesity remains high.