Diabetes affects about every tenth German resident or around eight million individuals; approximately 1,500 new people are diagnosed each day. Suppose serious efforts are not made quickly to limit its spread. In that case, there might be twelve million individuals by 2040, says Anne-Bärbel Köhle, editor-in-chief of Diabetes Ratgeber: "We need a health movement as strong and vocal as the ecological movement."

Diabetes is becoming increasingly common in Germany with each passing year. This has ramifications for people immediately impacted, their families, and healthcare workers. The substantial increase in numbers can be attributed to a variety of factors. The most significant risk factors for excess weight and diabetes are a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet.

How do you deal with a health emergency that causes human misery while simultaneously putting a strain on the healthcare system? Unfortunately, when it comes to a food traffic light or a reduction in sugar in food, politicians do nothing and rely on the voluntary nature of the sector. "I am advocating for a sugar tax, mainly on sweetened beverages, mandated food labeling, lower or no taxation on fruits and vegetables, and a prohibition on advertisements for sugary foods. Every day, every youngster is exposed to up to 16 advertisements promoting unhealthy meals ", says Diabetes Ratgeber editor-in-chief Anne-Bärbel Köhle.

Worldwide, climate change has inspired millions of people, especially young people, to take to the streets as part of Fridays for Future and demonstrate tangible countermeasures. Anne-Bärbel Köhle would like a similar movement, a 'Friday against Obesity', to establish citizens as initiators who point out to politicians about grievances and actively demand long-overdue laws.

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