Overview
- Germany ranks 17th of 18 countries with a score of 36.9 out of 100 on the new AOK/DKFZ Public Health Index, with only Switzerland lower; the comparison will be repeated in 2027.
- Per-capita health spending reached €5,317 in 2022, yet life expectancy fell to 81.1 years, slightly below the EU average of 81.4.
- The index places Germany at or near the bottom for tobacco, alcohol and nutrition policies, with only mid-to-low performance on physical activity.
- AOK, DKFZ and medical leaders urge higher taxes on nicotine, alcohol and sugar, tighter advertising and sales rules, and binding school food standards, citing stronger measures in the UK, Ireland and Nordic countries.
- Researchers highlight the toll of preventable risks, noting about 131,000 smoking-related deaths in 2021 and annual economic costs estimated at roughly €100 billion for tobacco, €63 billion for obesity and €57 billion for alcohol.