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New government, old habits? The opportunity for a turning point in prevention health policies in Germany is now!

Author

Listed:
  • Andreas, Marike
  • Kellermann, Lisa
  • Lewerich, Ludgera
  • Sniehotta, Falko F.

Abstract

Germany has long lagged behind other high-income countries in terms of implementing evidence-based prevention policies. This is reflected by the relatively low life expectancy of the population, high numbers of non-communicable diseases and health inequality in the country. Against this backdrop, we discuss the initial plans of the new German government for prevention, and suggest a way forward. By shifting from a focus on curative measures to evidence-based, population-level interventions, Germany can improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and save costs. Strategic leadership and a coherent national prevention strategy are essential to achieve this transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas, Marike & Kellermann, Lisa & Lewerich, Ludgera & Sniehotta, Falko F., 2025. "New government, old habits? The opportunity for a turning point in prevention health policies in Germany is now!," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:161:y:2025:i:c:s0168851025001642
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2025.105409
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Lehnert & Pawel Streltchenia & Alexander Konnopka & Steffi Riedel-Heller & Hans-Helmut König, 2015. "Health burden and costs of obesity and overweight in Germany: an update," The European Journal of Health Economics, Springer;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gesundheitsökonomie (DGGÖ), vol. 16(9), pages 957-967, December.
    2. Andreas, Marike & Kaiser, Anna K. & Dhami, Raenhha & Brugger, Vincent & Sniehotta, Falko F., 2025. "How beliefs and policy characteristics shape the public acceptability of nutritional policies—A survey study in Germany," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
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