A recent survey reveals a significant decline in the percentage of Germans considered to be living a fully healthy lifestyle. The study, conducted by the Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG (DKV), the German Sport University Cologne and the University of Würzburg, indicates that only 2% of the German population currently meet all criteria for comprehensive health.
This figure represents a substantial drop from 17% reported two years ago. Researchers attribute the shift, at least in part, to revised scoring criteria related to alcohol and tobacco consumption.
The study highlights a noticeable gender disparity, with women demonstrating superior health practices across all benchmarks. A mere 1% of men achieve the standard for a completely healthy lifestyle, compared to 3% of women.
Analysis of individual benchmarks reveals a mixed picture. While only 34% satisfy the requirements for healthy nutrition, a more encouraging 68% meet the standards for physical activity. However, a concerningly low 32% fulfill the combined recommendations regarding endurance and strength training – a critical component in preventing chronic lifestyle diseases.
Ingo Frobös from the German Sport University Cologne emphasized the importance of strength training, stating that its integration into a lifelong health strategy is essential and should be viewed as a preventative measure, not merely an optional addition to endurance training.
The report also examined sitting behavior among Germans. Average sitting time has increased from 598 to 613 minutes per day since 2023. Worryingly, 37% of respondents exhibit a demonstrably elevated risk of mortality due to their sedentary habits and limited movement. Frobös described this trend as dangerous and called for a societal shift that prioritizes movement, allowing, supporting and even rewarding physical activity in daily life.