Obesity on the Rise in the Netherlands Despite Decrease in Smoking and Drinking

den haag - Overweight remains common in the Netherlands while smoking and excessive drinking decrease. Learn more about the latest lifestyle trends from the CBS and RIVM.

Obesity Trends in the Netherlands

Overweight is prevalent among Dutch adults despite declining smoking and excessive drinking rates. The latest Lifestyle Monitor by CBS and RIVM reveals:

• 50% of Dutch adults are overweight
• 16% have obesity, up from 13% in the past decade
• Education and income influence lifestyle choices

Education and Lifestyle

Individuals with higher education smoke less and have lower obesity rates compared to those with lower education levels. However, alcohol consumption does not show a significant correlation with education or income.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Last year, 18% of Dutch adults smoked, down from 19% the previous year and over 25% in 2014. Excessive alcohol consumption has also decreased, with 5.5% surpassing the recommended limits, compared to nearly 10% a decade ago.

National Prevention Goals

The National Prevention Agreement aims to reduce smoking and excessive drinking to below 5% by 2040. The target is to limit overweight adults to a maximum of 38% by the same year, indicating a need for improved strategies.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

CBS calculates overweight and obesity based on height and weight survey responses to determine BMI. A BMI of 25 or higher indicates overweight, while above 30 signifies obesity.