If current trends continue, nearly two-thirds of the Dutch population will be overweight by 2050, according to RIVM. In 2022, this was 50%, but according to the Volksgezondheid Toekomst Verkenning, it is expected to rise to 64%. Young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 44, are expected to experience the largest increase.
Overweight issues are also starting earlier. In 1990, 17% of people in their twenties were overweight, but by 2020, this had risen to 32%, with the trend continuing upward. Additionally, the RIVM estimates that nearly 12 million people will be living with chronic conditions by 2050.
Despite the introduction of the National Prevention Agreement in 2018 to combat obesity, results have been disappointing. Experts attribute this to a lack of decisive action in The Hague. For example, although the reduction of VAT on fruits and vegetables has been discussed for years, no substantial progress has been made.
The new RIVM report highlights that obesity is not only an individual issue but also an increasingly significant societal and economic challenge.
Source: nu.nl
