Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents
Overweight and obesity are widespread in Germany, partly as a result of the prevalence of highly processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle. In 2020, every second adult in Germany was overweight and every 5th was obese. Nationwide, 15% of children and young people aged 3 to 17 are overweight and as many as 6% are obese (2017). In the district of Ludwigsburg alone, more than 360 children are already overweight or severely overweight at pre-school age (approx. 8%) (data from the 2023 school enrolment examinations).
Obesity in childhood and adolescence often continues into adulthood and can have major medical, psychological and social consequences.
How do I know what my child's weight is?
By calculating the body mass index (BMI), it is possible to determine whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight or severely overweight (obesity). For children and adolescents, this is usually determined with the help of so-called growth curves. This link will take you to a BMI calculator that compares the BMI of children and adolescents with these growth curves.
Who can I contact?
Your pediatrician's office is the primary point of contact, but you can also contact health insurance companies and us if you have any questions.kinder.adipositas[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de
