Germany Ranks Near Bottom in 2025 Public Health Index Amid Rising Health Concerns

Germany has ranked 17th out of 18 European countries in the newly released 2025 Public Health Index, signaling critical shortcomings in its public health prevention efforts. The index evaluates health policies related to alcohol, tobacco, nutrition, and physical activity, revealing Germany as nearly the worst performer across measures that affect citizen health.

The country's low alcohol prices—such as a 1.5-liter Tetra Pak of wine costing under two euros—and widespread alcohol advertising expose youth to unhealthy influences. Ute Mons of the German Cancer Research Center highlighted the prevalence of alcohol marketing near schools. Tobacco policies also lag behind, with minimal spending on awareness campaigns and many exceptions to smoking bans still in place. Nutrition policies fail to adequately promote healthy eating, while only 15% of German teenagers meet WHO physical activity recommendations. These lifestyle factors contribute to obesity rates approaching 10% among children, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health issues linked to unhealthy behaviors impose a staggering economic burden on Germany, costing over 200 billion euros annually. Specifically, tobacco-related illnesses cost nearly 100 billion euros, obesity 63 billion euros, and alcohol consumption 57 billion euros. Life expectancy in Germany stands slightly below the European average, at 81.1 years compared to 81.4.

The report also notes that the UK has implemented stricter measures on school meals and advertising, which Germany has yet to adopt. With only two years until the next index evaluation in 2027, experts urge comprehensive health policies that reduce advertising exposure, especially to minors, and promote healthier lifestyles to improve Germany's ranking and citizens' well-being.