Half of Germans need to lose weight

The figure for women was far lower at 43 percent, figures from the Federal Statistics Office (Destatis) showed. In total, 52 percent of Germans were classified as overweight and that figure has risen in the last decade.

Destatis said in 1999, 56 percent of men and 40 percent of women were carrying too much weight.

The numbers were compiled from a mini-census last year in which people had to answer questions about their size.

Taking their weight and height, statisticians then worked out respondents' Body Mass Index (BMI). Anyone with a BMI of more than 25 is classified as overweight and over 30 as obese. 

In Germany, 17 percent of men and 14 percent of women were classified as obese. 

You can work out your BMI here.

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