Half of Dutch adults overweight as smoking and drinking decline
While the number of smokers and heavy drinkers in the Netherlands continues to fall, obesity remains one of the country’s most persistent public health issues. The latest Leefstijlmonitor (lifestyle monitor), a study conducted by the CBS, RIVM, and other research institutes, highlights that nearly half of all Dutch adults are overweight, with severe obesity rates increasing over the past decade.
According to the Leefstijlmonitor, 50 percent of Dutch adults are classified as overweight. The percentage of adults with severe obesity (BMI over 30) has risen from 13 percent to 16 percent in the past ten years. This trend runs counter to the objectives set in the Nationaal Preventieakkoord, which aims to reduce the prevalence of overweight adults to 38 percent and severe obesity to 7 percent by 2040. However, the data suggests these goals are far from being met.
CBS determines weight classifications using self-reported survey data on height and body weight, which is then used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight, while a BMI above 30 is categorized as obesity.
The number of smokers in the Netherlands has steadily declined over the past decade. In 2014, more than 25 percent of adults smoked, but by 2024, this figure had dropped to 18 percent. The decline is particularly evident among people with higher education levels. Only 13 percent of individuals with a hbo- or wo-degree (higher professional or university education) smoke, compared to 21 percent among those with only primary or vmbo education.
The Nationaal Preventieakkoord has set a target to reduce smoking prevalence to 5 percent by 2040. If current trends continue, this goal may reportedly be attainable. However, the study only examined the use of traditional tobacco products and did not account for vaping, which has become increasingly popular among young people and young adults.
The percentage of Dutch adults who engage in excessive alcohol consumption has also declined. In 2014, nearly 10 percent of the population exceeded the official limit for heavy drinking—defined as more than 21 drinks per week for men and more than 14 for women. By 2024, this number had dropped to 5.5 percent.
Unlike smoking and obesity, excessive alcohol consumption appears to be independent of education level and income. Researchers found no strong correlation between socioeconomic status and heavy drinking habits. The decline in alcohol use aligns with the Nationaal Preventieakkoord target of reducing excessive drinking to below 5 percent of the population by 2040.
Research further shows that adults with only primary or vmbo education are far more likely to struggle with excess weight—65 percent fall into the overweight category, compared to lower percentages among those with higher education. Smoking rates also show a stark contrast, with significantly fewer smokers among individuals who have completed an hbo- or wo-degree.
Additionally, regular physical activity and healthy eating habits are more prevalent among the highly educated, further widening the health gap between socioeconomic groups.
However, researchers found no meaningful correlation between socioeconomic status and excessive alcohol consumption or risky sexual behavior.
