Netherlands
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Policies
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National obesity risk *6/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *7.5/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Insufficient activity
Sugar consumption
Soft drink consumption
Confectionery consumption
Sweet/savoury snack consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
Anxiety
Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2020
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey of Statistics Netherlands (2020). Available at: https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/81565NED/table?ts=1620225801465. Last accessed: 05.05.21 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 - EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998-2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20-59 |
| Sample size: | 3691 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Visscher TLS, Viet AL, Kroesbergen HT and Seidell JC. (2006). Underreporting of BMI in adults and its effect on obesity prevalence estimations in the period 1998 to 2002. Obesity, 14(11): 2054 - 2063. |
| Notes: | NB. More recent self report data available (2014). See overweight and obesity by age |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1993-1997
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 37-43 |
| Sample size: | 4623 |
| References: | Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1987-1991
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 37-43 |
| Sample size: | 7510 |
| References: | Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1976-1980
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 37-43 |
| Sample size: | 17008 |
| References: | Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2020
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 4-12 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey of Statistics Netherlands (2020). Available at: https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/81565NED/table?ts=1620225801465. Last accessed: 05.05.21 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-12 |
| Sample size: | 901 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Brug J, van Stralen MM, te Velde SJ, Chinapaw MJM, De Bourdeaudhuij I, et al. (2012) Differences in Weight Status and Energy-Balance Related Behaviors among Schoolchildren across Europe: The ENERGY-Project. PLoS ONE 7(4): e34742. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034742 |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut Off Point Combined totals calculated by weighting by sample size |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-16 |
| Sample size: | 90071 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | van den Hurk K, van Buuren P, van Buuren S, Verkerk PH and HiraSing RA. (2007). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Netherlands in 2003 compared to 1980 and 1977. Archives Dis Child, 92: 992 - 995. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut Off |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1997
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 4-16 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Katja van den Hurk, Paula van Dommelen, Stef van Buuren, Paul H Verkerk, Remy A HiraSing. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Netherlands in 2003 compared to 1980 and 1997. Arch Dis Child 2007;92:992–995. doi: 10.1136/adc.2006.115402 |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. Large national survey although size not specified |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1980
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 4-16 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | van den Hurk K, van Buuren P, van Buuren S, Verkerk PH and HiraSing RA. (2007). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Netherlands in 2003 compared to 1980 and 1977. Archives Dis Child, 92: 992 - 995. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. Large national survey - sample size not specified. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Adults living with obesity in the Netherlands 1976-1993
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity in the Netherlands 1976-1993
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Children living with overweight or obesity in the Netherlands 1980-2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1980, 2003: van den Hurk K, van Buuren P, van Buuren S, Verkerk PH and HiraSing RA. (2007). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Netherlands in 2003 compared to 1980 and 1977. Archives Dis Child, 92: 992 - 995. 1997: Katja van den Hurk, Paula van Dommelen, Stef van Buuren, Paul H Verkerk, Remy A HiraSing. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Netherlands in 2003 compared to 1980 and 1997. Arch Dis Child 2007;92:992–995. doi: 10.1136/adc.2006.115402 |
| Definitions: | IOTF |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity in Europe 1976-2018
Men
| References: | 1976, 1987: Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Lahti-Koski M, Vartiainen E, Mannisto S, Pietinen P. Age, education and occupation as determinants of trends in body mass index in Finland from 1982 to 1997. International Journal of Obesity (2000);24:1669-1676 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Lahti-Koski M, Pietinen P, Munnisto S, Vartiainen E. Trends in waist to hip ratio and its determinants in adults in Finland from 1987 to 1997. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;72:1436-1444 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Gutierrez-Fisac JL, Guallar-Castillion P, Leon-Munoz LM, Graciani A, Banegas JR & Rodriguez-Artalejo F. Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in the adult population of Spain, 2008-2010. Obesity Reviews early online 12th Dec 2011. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| References: | 1976, 1987: Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Lahti-Koski M, Vartiainen E, Mannisto S, Pietinen P. Age, education and occupation as determinants of trends in body mass index in Finland from 1982 to 1997. International Journal of Obesity (2000);24:1669-1676 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Lahti-Koski M, Pietinen P, Munnisto S, Vartiainen E. Trends in waist to hip ratio and its determinants in adults in Finland from 1987 to 1997. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;72:1436-1444 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Gutierrez-Fisac JL, Guallar-Castillion P, Leon-Munoz LM, Graciani A, Banegas JR & Rodriguez-Artalejo F. Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in the adult population of Spain, 2008-2010. Obesity Reviews early online 12th Dec 2011. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by age and education
Men, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 - Education EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 - Education EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Adults, 2020
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey of Statistics Netherlands (2020). Available at: https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/83021NED/table?ts=1520431117646. Last accessed: 05.05.21 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Notes: | Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8) Total sample size in EU = 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Notes: | Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8) Total sample size in EU = 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2013
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 25+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistics Netherlands (CBS): http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLEN&PA=81177ENG&LA=EN (last accessed on 26.5.15) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-12 |
| Sample size: | 901 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Brug J, van Stralen MM, te Velde SJ et al. Differences in Weight Status and Energy-Balance Related Behaviors among Schoolchildren across Europe: The ENERGY-Project. PLoS ONE 2012;7 (4) e34742 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2020
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey of Statistics Netherlands (2020). Available at: https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/81565NED/table?ts=1620225801465. Last accessed: 05.05.21 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 - EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2013
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistics Netherlands (CBS): http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLEN&PA=81177ENG&LA=EN (last accessed on 26.5.15) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2020
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey of Statistics Netherlands (2020). Available at: https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/81565NED/table?ts=1620225801465. Last accessed: 05.05.21 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 90071 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Katja van den Hurk, Paula van Dommelen, Stef van Buuren, Paul H Verkerk, Remy A HiraSing. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Netherlands in 2003 compared to 1980 and 1997' Arch Dis Child 2007;92:992-995. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by age and region
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by age and socio-economic group
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Adults, 2020
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey of Statistics Netherlands (2020). Available at: https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/83021NED/table?ts=1520431117646. Last accessed: 05.05.21 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Notes: | 1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data. Total sample number in EU: 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Notes: | 1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data. Total sample number in EU: 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-10 |
| Area covered: | Regional - Amsterdam |
| References: | Amsterdam Healthy Weight Programme. Review 2011-2017 Amsterdam Healthy Weight Programme. Available at: https://www.amsterdam.nl/sociaaldomein/aanpak-gezond-gewicht/amsterdam-healthy-weight-programme-0/#h66c45d7e-bfca-4788-8511-7f6754e688e1. Last accessed 06.05.21. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by ethnicity
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 77,058 |
| Area covered: | Regional - The Hague |
| References: | Cornelisse-Vermaat, Judith R., and Henriëtte Maassen van den Brink. “Ethnic Differences in Lifestyle and Overweight in the Netherlands*.” Obesity, vol. 15, no. 2, Feb. 2007, pp. 483–483, 10.1038/oby.2007.561. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/28/6/1023/5035077?login=true. Accessed 6 May 2021. |
| Definitions: | Ethnic groups as defined by publication of origin. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21) |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Boys, 2016
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21) |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Girls, 2016
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21) |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Children, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Boys, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Girls, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Sugar consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Sugar consumption (Number of 500g sugar portions/person/month) |
Estimated per capita sugar sweetened beverages intake
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | World Health Organization. (2017). Adolescent obesity and related behaviours: Trends and inequalities in the who european region, 2002-2014: observations from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) WHO collaborative cross-national study (J. Inchley, D. Currie, J. Jewel, J. Breda, & V. Barnekow, Eds.). World Health Organization. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org |
| Notes: | 15-year-old adolescents |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption (% of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption) |
Prevalence of confectionery consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of confectionery consumption (Number of 50g confectionery portions/person/month) |
Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption (Number of 35g sweet/savoury snack portions/person/month) |
Estimated per capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption) |
Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with depression disorders |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with anxiety disorders |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: High Income
Health systems summary
The Netherlands provides universal health coverage through a mixed healthcare system that finances curative, long-term care and social care through different means. Curative care (which includes specialist care, primary care, pharmaceuticals and mental health care) is financed through a competitive social insurance system that was reformed in 2006 to be made mandatory for all residents. All residents are required to purchase a social insurance policy that covers a defined benefit package, and all insurers must accept all applications. This is in contrast with the single payer social insurance system that is in place for long-term care and the locally-led, tax-funded social care scheme.
Out of pocket payments in the Netherlands are relatively low (compared to the rest of the European Union) at 11.1% of health expenditure. This is believed to be due to the large voluntary health insurance sector and the fact that GP care and maternal care are free at point of delivery.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Some progress |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Defined as disease |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | Some progress |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | No |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | Some progress |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | Some progress |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | Yes |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | Yes |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Insurance |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
While not there yet, stakeholders felt that the government and healthcare providers and professionals were making great strides towards recognising obesity as a disease. It was noted that overweight and obesity features in the National Prevention Agreement launched in 2018, an agreement that lays out important steps to address overweight and obesity, smoking and problematic alcohol consumption in the Netherlands (as the 3 biggest contributors to the burden on disease). It appears that most prevention efforts are currently made in and around schools.
Healthcare coverage for obesity management and treatment was reported to have improved in recent years. Since 2019, 2 years of lifestyle intervention is covered by insurance. The recent coverage of lifestyle intervention is a major step forward in the treatment of those who are overweight but not eligible/suitable for surgery (which is also covered by insurance).
Generally, most adults enter the system through primary care and most children are picked up through routine screening. Despite being the gatekeepers to treatment, GPs are said to be unable to address excess weight with their patients living with overweight and obesity because of short consultation times. When it is discussed, it was said that individuals are reluctant to be referred on because of the cost. Stakeholders reported that although obesity treatments are included as part of the basic health insurance, the €385 excess fee was a barrier to those on a low income. It was felt that most left the system after failing to attend appointments post-referral.
There are a reasonable number of obesity-related healthcare professionals in both urban and rural areas in the Netherlands, but numbers could be improved. Stakeholders felt that behavioural professionals were particularly lacking. While specialist obesity training does not appear to be available, stakeholders reported that individual professionals are starting to do obesity-specific training e.g. internal medicine specialists, paediatricians, dieticians and physiotherapists. Care standards exist for both adult and children, but it was said that not all health professionals were aware of the existence of the guidelines.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 7 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
