Saxony-Anhalt tackles Germany's worst obesity crisis with free online coach

Saxony-Anhalt has the highest obesity rate in Germany, with 13.4 percent of its population affected. The issue is most severe in Mansfeld-Südharz, where the rate reaches 15.6 percent. In response, the AOK health insurance provider has launched a free online coach to support sustainable weight loss.

The new AOK program offers structured guidance on nutrition, exercise, and behavioral change. Users can access information, self-reflection exercises, and interactive modules designed to encourage long-term habits. Five individuals with personal experience of obesity helped shape the content, ensuring practical relevance.

The program also incorporates the WOOP method—a science-backed technique for self-motivation. Participants can track their progress throughout the course, which complements the AOK's existing online coaches for conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Obesity rates in Saxony-Anhalt exceed the national average of 10.2 percent, with women (15 percent) more affected than men (11.7 percent). Over the past five years, the state government has introduced measures such as the Landesaktionsplan Ernährung und Bewegungsförderung (2022), which promotes healthy eating in schools and physical activity in kindergartens. Initiatives like Beweg dich Sachsen-Anhalt (expanded in 2023) have also provided sports funding and prevention projects in partnership with local doctors.

Despite these efforts, the AOK is calling for stronger policy action alongside individual support to address the growing problem.

The free online coach aims to provide accessible help for those struggling with obesity. With Saxony-Anhalt's rates remaining above the national level, the program adds to ongoing regional efforts. The AOK stresses that both personal responsibility and systemic measures are needed to reduce obesity long term.