Live analysis: Scarcely anyone maintains a nutritious lifestyle
In the latest edition of the "How Healthy is Germany?" report, published by the German Health Insurance Fund (GKV), the current state of health in Germany presents a mixed picture, with some positive developments and ongoing challenges.
The report, created in collaboration with the German Sports University Cologne and the University of Würzburg, reveals encouraging signs in the realm of mortality and life expectancy. Preliminary data from the second quarter of 2025 indicate a decrease in overall deaths, with mortality figures falling below the median values of previous years [1]. Infant mortality and other specific death rates have not shown any alarming increases [1].
However, the report also highlights the impact of seasonal illnesses on the health of the population. The first quarter of 2025 was marked by a strong flu wave, which temporarily affected death rates [1][3]. Additionally, there was a surge in colds and flu during the first half of the year, leading to increased absenteeism [3].
Demographic factors also play a significant role in the health landscape of Germany. The country is experiencing demographic aging, with young people (ages 15-24) making up only about 10% of the population, a record low [3]. This demographic shift has implications for workforce and health system dynamics. While immigration has partially mitigated this decline, the aging population remains a factor for health planning.
Economic factors, indirectly related to health, also feature in the report. Inflation eased to around 2%, and the economy experienced slight growth in early 2025, which could potentially influence health funding and services positively [2][4].
The report underscores the importance of monitoring infectious diseases and adapting to demographic changes as key health priorities. Detailed findings from the German Health Insurance Fund report were not directly available, but these contextual factors reflect the broader health environment in Germany in 2025.
In a separate survey conducted for the report, around 2,800 people aged 18 and above were asked about their diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. The findings paint a picture of a population with room for improvement. Only about one-third (33%) of the respondents meet the criteria for healthy eating, and only slightly more than one-third (32%) meet the recommendations for minimum endurance activity and twice-weekly muscle training [2].
Moreover, the survey revealed that only 2% of the population meet the criteria for a healthy lifestyle, with women performing slightly better than men in this regard [2]. On average, people sit for more than ten hours a day, which is almost two hours more than ten years ago [2]. Stress management is another area of concern, with only one in five (20%) managing to handle stress in a healthy way on a daily basis [2].
Despite these challenges, the report does highlight some positive signs. Slightly less than one-third (29%) of respondents claim to abstain completely from alcohol, and around 68% of respondents are physically active enough to gain health benefits [2]. Cycling to work is an example of achieving the required physical activity. However, only about one-third (30%) of those who sit for at least eight hours a day compensate for the long sitting with an hour or more of daily exercise [2].
In conclusion, the health state in Germany shows reasonable mortality and life expectancy trends, but the healthcare system is contending with seasonal illness spikes and demographic shifts. The report suggests ongoing monitoring of infectious diseases and adaptation to demographic changes are key health priorities currently.
The report emphasizes the need for promoting workplace wellness and health-and-wellness practices, as only a small percentage of the population meets the criteria for a healthy lifestyle. Workplace-wellness initiatives, such as promoting fitness-and-exercise and mental-health resources, could help reduce the sedentary behavior (over ten hours a day on average) and improve stress management strategies among individuals [2].
The German Health Insurance Fund report also encourages the implementation of nutrition guidelines to address the issue of unhealthy eating habits. By focusing on nutritional education and resources, it is hoped that more of the population will meet the criteria for healthy eating [2].
To address mental-health concerns, the report recommends providing therapies-and-treatments for stress management and offering support for those who struggle with daily stress management. In addition, promoting mental-health awareness and resources in the workplace could also help create a healthier work environment [2].
As the population continues to age, the report suggests that focusing on health-and-wellness initiatives in the workplace and promoting fitness-and-exercise, nutritional education, and mental-health resources could help support the health and well-being of an aging workforce, as well as positively impact overall health trends in Germany.
