Preventive check-ups
Preventive check-ups from U1 to J2 and the health check-up from age 35 catch weight and metabolic problems early. Most are covered by health insurance.
Ausführlich erklärt
Preventive check-ups are regular appointments at which doctors check growth, weight, blood pressure and blood values – before a trend becomes a problem. In Germany, for children they're called U check-ups (from U1 right after birth to U9 at around five years old, plus U10 and U11 at primary school age), for teenagers J1 (12 to 14 years) and J2 (16 to 17 years), and for adults the health check-up.
At every U check-up, height and weight are entered on the percentile charts in the yellow child health booklet. These charts are the most honest tool for recognising overweight in children: what counts isn't the number on a single day, but whether the child leaves their curve. The J1 adds blood pressure, pubertal development, vaccination status and – importantly – a conversation about mood, school, eating and exercise, ideally without parents in the room.
Adults are entitled to the check-up once between the ages of 18 and 34 and every three years from 35: a conversation about previous illnesses, risks and vaccinations, a physical examination including blood pressure and, from 35, also blood sugar, blood lipids (cholesterol with LDL, HDL and triglycerides) and a urine test. Between 18 and 34, blood is only tested if there's an increased risk, such as severe obesity, high blood pressure or illnesses in the family. These are exactly the values that change with prediabetes, metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure, long before symptoms appear. On top of this, from 35 there's skin cancer screening every two years.
Why this is so valuable for weight issues: a single value is alarming, a trend reassures or gives a timely warning. If you see a fasting blood sugar of 105 mg/dl at your check-up, you have a good chance of bringing it down again with exercise and diet – the earlier, the easier. Bring your questions: what does my waist circumference mean? Does high cholesterol run in my family? Is a vitamin D test worthwhile?
U1 to U9, J1 and the check-up are covered by statutory health insurance; many insurers cover U10, U11 and J2 as an additional benefit, and with private insurance it depends on the plan. Appointments can be made with your GP or paediatrician, and many federal states and insurers send reminders about the U check-ups. It's an hour that gives the whole family peace of mind.