Lifespan analysis reveals scarcity of individuals adhering to a healthy lifestyle
In a recent survey conducted in February and March 2025, the health habits of Germans were scrutinized, revealing a mixed picture of healthy living. The report, created in collaboration with the German Sports University Cologne and the University of Würzburg, sheds light on various aspects of healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle choices in the country.
Interestingly, about 24.26 million people in Germany (approximately a third of the population) are particularly interested in adopting a healthy lifestyle, a figure that has remained stable since 2019. Fitness studios are the most popular physical activity venues, with around 11.3 million members, followed by sports such as soccer, gymnastics, tennis, walking, and cycling.
However, the survey also highlighted some concerning trends. For instance, more than two-thirds (68 percent) of respondents are sufficiently active to gain health benefits, but only 32 percent meet the recommendations for minimum endurance activity and twice-weekly muscle training. Worse still, only about one in three meets the criteria for healthy eating.
The issue of sedentary behaviour is a significant concern. On average, people spend over ten hours sitting on a workday, almost two hours more than ten years ago. This prolonged sitting is a known health risk, and to offset it, at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day is necessary. However, only a little over a third (30%) of those who sit for at least eight hours a day compensate with an hour or more of daily exercise.
Alcohol consumption is another area of concern. While the specific statistics on alcohol consumption in Germany were not detailed in the available search results, it is an important lifestyle factor that public health authorities monitor. The survey revealed that only 29% of respondents claim to completely abstain from alcohol, with 37% of women abstaining compared to 21% of men.
Intriguingly, the survey found that only 2% of the surveyed population meets the criteria for a fully healthy lifestyle, with 3% of women and 1% of men achieving this. This figure underscores the need for improved public health initiatives and personal efforts to promote healthy living in Germany.
Professor Ingo Froboese, from the German Sports University Cologne, echoed this sentiment, likening sedentary behaviour to smoking, stating, "Sitting is the new smoking." The professor's comment serves as a stark reminder of the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle and the need for concerted efforts to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits.
In conclusion, while many Germans are interested in healthy lifestyles, challenges remain in reducing sedentary behaviour, improving diet quality, and increasing physical activity levels. Public health programs like the “Healthy and Active Aging” program are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to help Germans achieve a truly healthy lifestyle.
Science has revealed that while a third of Germans (approximately 24.26 million) show interest in maintaining health and wellness, only a small percentage (2%) of the population follows a fully healthy lifestyle. Workplace-wellness is a significant concern, as people spend over ten hours sitting on average on a workday, with only about one-third (30%) compensating with at least an hour of daily exercise. Fitness and exercise, mental health, and nutrition are crucial elements of health and wellness, yet the survey showed that only 32% meet the recommendations for minimum endurance activity and muscle training, and only about one-third meet the criteria for healthy eating. It's clear that there's a need for enhanced public health initiatives and personal efforts to promote fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, mental-health, and nutrition in Germany, with Professor Ingo Froboese from the German Sports University Cologne warning, "Sitting is the new smoking."
