Almost every second person in Germany is overweight

Married women are fatter than single people

As reported by the Federal Statistical Office, 2003% of the adult population aged 49 and over were overweight in May 18, one percentage point more than in 1999. This is shown by the results of the 2003 additional microcensus survey, in which almost 0,5% of the population (370 000 people) are interviewed on health-related topics.

The requested body measurements for height and weight serve as the basis for determining the so-called body mass index with which overweight is determined. This index is calculated by dividing the body weight (in kg) by the body height (in meters, squared), gender and age are not taken into account. The World Health Organization classifies adults with a body mass index over 25 as overweight, with a value over 30 as very overweight. For example, an adult who is 1,80 m tall and over 81 kg is considered overweight and over 97 kg is severely overweight.

According to this classification, 13% of the population were severely overweight. In all age groups, men were more likely to be overweight than women. Overall, 58% of the men (1999: 56%) and 41% of the women were overweight (1999: 40%). 14% of men and 12% of women were severely overweight.

Underweight, ie a body mass index of less than 18,5, is far less common in Germany than overweight. In 2003 women were significantly more likely to be underweight (4%) than men (1%). Young women between the ages of 18 and 19 were even 13% underweight (1999: 16%).

Two thirds of married and widowed men (66% and 65% respectively) are overweight, single men 38%. Widowed women are most likely to be overweight (54%), followed by married women with 44%. Among single women, 23% were overweight, while 8% were underweight.

Questions about smoking habits were also part of the additional microcensus survey. Former smokers - both men and women - were significantly more likely to be overweight than active smokers: 70% of formerly smokers had a body mass index of more than 25, the proportion of active smokers was 51%. Ex-smokers were 43% overweight, 32% women smokers.

In May 2003, 27% of the population aged 15 and over acknowledged smoking. That was only slightly less than in 1999 (28%). The proportion of smokers was 33% among men and only 22% among women. In each age group, women smoked less frequently than men.

In May 2003, 24% of all respondents smoked regularly, 30% of men and 19% of women. For both sexes, the age group of 20 to under 25 year olds has the highest percentage with 40% and 30%, respectively. From the age of 40 onwards, the proportion of regular smokers decreases continuously.

Source: Wiesbaden [destatis]