Number of overweight people in the Netherlands to reach 64% by 2050

The Dutch grow taller — and wider. 👀

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reports that 64% of the Dutch population will be overweight in 2050, with a notable increase among young people.

According to the 2022 report, 50% of the Dutch population was classified as overweight at that time. That means this figure will increase by 14%, reaching 64% by 2050.

In a country known for its tall and athletic bikers, these statistics are quite surprising — so let’s discuss them. 🤔

Age does matter

The RIVM predicts that those aged between 18 and 44 will have the largest increase in weight, with younger age groups facing the biggest problems.

In 1990, only 17% of ages 20 to 29 were overweight, but by 2020, this percentage had risen to 32%. 

The RIVM points out that losing excess weight is very difficult and that individuals who are overweight naturally face an increased risk of health problems.

READ MORE | The Dutch are growing taller than ever: here’s why

You know what that means: it might be time to cut back on the frietjes and stroopwafel for a while… 

What are your thoughts on this issue? Let us know in the comments below. 

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Ada Dolanay
Ada Dolanay
Ada was born in Turkey, but spent almost all her life growing up in Amsterdam. As a third year Literary and Cultural Analysis student, she’s consistently observing, analysing and writing about people and places. After years of experiencing Dutch culture, she remains frustrated at Dutch cuisine, and continues to discover new benches in narrow streets to sit and read on (when the weather decides to be kind).

1 COMMENT

  1. America and the UK have the same problem. And they also follow the advice to eat more veg and fruit. And they avoid meat. And they think that fat makes you fat. I think that the entire medical and nutritional industry has been hijacked by lobbying. They think a climate healthy diet will save everyone while people are now statistically becoming unhealthy and overweight. It’s not just alcohol and sweets and fast food. It’s the whole eating pattern.

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