Rise in Heavy Smokers Soars by Nearly Half since 2013 - Significant surge in smoking rates observed since 2013, amounting to almost a 50% increase.
Thesurge in Excessive Smoking and COPD Cases in Germany
In Germany, the number of excessive smokers has witnessed a staggering increase by nearly 50 percent since 2013, according to data from health insurers. This disconcerting trend has been ongoing for years, with almost a quarter of these smokers suffering from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Commercial Health Insurance (KKH) reported that the number of tobacco addicts among the insured has risen by 47.5 percent since 2013. Approximately six million people across Germany sought medical treatment in 2023 due to tobacco dependency or related symptoms.
The rising tide of smokers is cause for concern, particularly given the connection between smoking and COPD, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Nearly one in four excessive smokers—22.8 percent—was diagnosed with COPD in 2023. Ten years ago, this figure stood at 19.5 percent.
Experts emphasize that quitting smoking is the only way to halt the progression of the disease. "Quitting smoking—that's the best and only right measure to prevent the disease from progressing," said Michael Falkenstein, addiction issues expert.
For the study, KKH analyzed data from 1.66 million of their insured, with around 118,000 identified as excessive smokers, equating to a 7.1 percent share in 2023. A decade ago, this figure was 4.8 percent. KKH ranks among the largest health insurance providers in the country, with about 1.5 million insured.
In Lower Saxony, the number of tobacco addicts saw a 39 percent rise between 2013 and 2023, with around 621,000 treated medically in 2023. During this period, the share of heavy smokers among the insured increased from 5.9 percent to 8.2 percent. In 2023, 22.8 percent of excessive smokers were afflicted by COPD, compared to 19.7 percent ten years ago.
Doctors warn that the numbers only represent the tip of the iceberg, as treatment is only available if tobacco dependence has been medically diagnosed. Passive smoking and high levels of chemical exposure also raise the risk of developing COPD.
Vaping is another concern, according to Falkenstein. "The misconception that e-cigarettes and waterpipes are the lesser harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes is still widespread. However, this is a fallacy, as substances are also inhaled that harm the lungs this way," he said. The situation in Thuringia was particularly critical, with a 99.6 percent increase in tobacco addicts over the past decade. Saarland suffered the highest share of excessive smokers with COPD, with 26.1 percent of heavy smokers affected there in 2023. Conversely, Saarland also registered the lowest share, around 16 percent.
Falkenstein underscored the importance of complete smoking cessation in the fight against disease. Positive effects can be seen soon after quitting, with improvements in coughing, shortness of breath, and phlegm. The cardiovascular system also benefits, with blood circulation regenerating within a few weeks after the last cigarette.
"Many people don't know this, but quitting pays off at any age," the expert said. Even those who quit smoking after the age of 60 significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease within a few years. There is no 'safe' level of smoking—even one cigarette a day raises the risk of heart disease or stroke.
Smoking, Germany, Cigarette, Coughing
- To combat the rising cases of COPD linked to excessive smoking, the need for community policies advocating vocational training in health-and-wellness fields, such as fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and nutrition, has become increasingly imperative.
- In addition to the apparent health risks, smokers also face financial burdens associated with medical-conditions like COPD, creating a compelling need for preventive vocational training in the medical sector.
- It's essential to recognize that there are various vocational training programs available for individuals seeking to quit smoking and manage chronic-diseases like COPD, hence contributing positively to the community and their well-being.
- The growing rates of COPD due to smoking underscore the importance of science in developing effective treatments and vocational training programs focused on smoking cessation and the management of respiratory-conditions.
