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Investigation of the Body Mass Index in Germany by 2017: An Analysis by Gender and Age Groups

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a frequently used measure for evaluating body weight in relation to height. It allows for assessing the health status of a population with regards to underweight, normal weight, and obesity (severe overweight). An up-to-date analysis of the BMI in Germany up to the year 2017 provides valuable insights into weight classifications and how they relate to factors such as gender, marital status, and age groups.

The results indicate that the BMI varies across different age groups and genders, considering weight categories of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

In 2017, the proportion of individuals with normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m²) was 53.6 percent in total. This showed a slight decrease in normal weight compared to 2013 (54.1 percent). Overweight (BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m²) was observed in 21.3 percent of the population, while 25.1 percent were affected by obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m² or more). These values remained relatively stable compared to 2013.

Upon closer examination by age groups, it becomes evident that young adults aged 18 to under 20 had a high proportion of normal weight (75.2 percent). With increasing age, the percentage of overweight and obesity steadily rises, with this trend leveling off in individuals above 70 years. Among those aged 75 and older, the proportion of individuals with normal weight (43.9 percent) is relatively lower, while obesity (48.0 percent) is more prevalent.

Gender differences in BMI are also significant. In 2017, more men (35.1 percent) were overweight compared to women (30.6 percent). Obesity was more pronounced in men (20.5 percent) than in women (18.1 percent). Overall, women had a slightly higher prevalence of normal weight (56.9 percent) compared to men (53.6 percent).

An analysis based on marital status revealed that married individuals had a higher proportion of normal weight (53.6 percent compared to 51.5 percent) and a lower proportion of obesity (19.4 percent compared to 21.0 percent) compared to unmarried individuals.

Overall, this study illustrates that while the BMI remained largely stable in Germany, it varies with age, gender, and marital status. The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in older age groups and among married individuals underscores the importance of prevention measures targeting different population segments to minimize health risks and promote awareness of a healthy lifestyle.

Upon closer examination of the data, several particularly noteworthy trends emerge:

• Age Groups and Weight Classification: As age increases, the proportion of individuals with overweight and obesity rises, particularly among women around the age of 55.
• Gender Differences: There are distinct differences between genders, both in terms of overweight and obesity.
• Temporal Development: Between 2013 and 2017, the proportion of individuals with overweight and obesity increased.
• Age Groups with Low Proportion of Normal Weight: Particularly striking is the age group of women between 60 and 70 years, where the proportion of individuals with normal weight is significantly lower.
• Youthful Adults: In the age group of young adults, an increase in the proportion of individuals with obesity is observed.
• Older Age Groups: In older age groups, the proportion of individuals with overweight and obesity rises.

These trends could be attributed to various factors, including changing lifestyles, dietary habits, and potentially societal influences.