Lifestyle analysis: Few adopt a healthy lifestyle
In a recent report, German Sports University Cologne, in collaboration with the University of Würzburg, has highlighted some concerning trends regarding the nation's lifestyle habits. The study, conducted in February and March 2025, reveals that sitting for prolonged periods has become a significant concern, with one in three people who sit for at least eight hours a day not compensating for it with an hour or more of physical activity.
Professor Ingo Froboese of the German Sports University Cologne likens the impact of excessive sitting to that of smoking, stating, "Sitting is the new smoking." He suggests that cycling to work or taking brisk evening walks could help counteract the effects.
The report also sheds light on the nation's eating habits, with only about one in three meeting the criteria for healthy eating. The WHO recommends a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods daily, especially fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, while limiting sugar, saturated fat, trans fats, and salt intake.
When it comes to stress, only one in five manages it healthily on a daily basis. This is a concern, given the importance of mental well-being in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The average German spends more than ten hours a day sitting at work, a figure that has increased by almost two hours compared to ten years ago. This sedentary lifestyle is a cause for concern, as it increases the risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The report also reveals that more than two-thirds of respondents move enough in their daily lives to gain health benefits, and nearly one in five people barely move during their leisure time and on transportation routes.
Despite these worrying trends, there are positive signs. Germany has seen steady improvements in life expectancy, now substantially higher than in the past and expected to rise further due to healthier lifestyles, medical advances, and government initiatives like IN FORM, which promotes healthy diets and physical activity.
The German government actively promotes healthy nutrition and physical activity, targeting all age groups. Physical activity is encouraged not only as formal exercise but also in everyday activities, aligning with WHO's advice. Key initiatives include the “Healthy and Active Aging” programme, which promotes physical activity and health literacy among older adults, and health-promoting actions for children like “KITA Vital” focused on day care facilities.
However, socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors influence health outcomes in Germany, including how the COVID-19 pandemic affected self-rated health and mental well-being. This suggests disparities exist within the population regarding access to or adoption of healthy lifestyle practices.
In conclusion, while Germany generally follows key healthy lifestyle factors promoted by the WHO, there are areas of concern, particularly in relation to sedentary behaviour, nutrition, and stress management. The report highlights the need for continued efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and to address disparities within the population. Only 2% of the surveyed population meet the criteria for a healthy lifestyle, underscoring the need for action.
- The German Sports University Cologne, in collaboration with the University of Würzburg, has highlighted chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes as risks associated with the nation's prolonged sitting habits, akin to smoking, as stated by Professor Ingo Froboese.
- To counteract these health risks, the report suggests incorporating fitness and exercise into the workplace-wellness routines, like cycling to work or taking brisk evening walks, to compensate for the prolonged sitting hours.
- Moreover, the report emphasizes the importance of mental health, with only one in five managing it healthily on a daily basis. In light of this, it recommends fostering a healthier approach to mental health, in addition to a focus on physical fitness and nutrition.
- To address nutritional concerns, the German government promotes healthier diets, encouraging a variety of foods daily, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, while limiting unhealthy substances like sugar, saturated fat, trans fats, and salt intake.
