News | RIVM

Less than half of Dutch people met the Physical Activity Guidelines in 2021

In 2021, 47% of people aged four years and older in the Netherlands got the amount of physical activity recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines. Children aged 4 to 11 years were most likely to meet the standard. Conversely, young people between the ages of 12 and 17 fell short. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.

Dutch people eat more healthy foods: more plant products, less red and processed meat

Dutch people are eating and drinking more healthily. We know this because of RIVM’s new Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (Voedselconsumptiepeiling, VCP). Dutch people are eating more plant products, like fruit and vegetables, unsalted nuts and legumes.

People working from home more likely to have health problems

People who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to have physical complaints than people working on location (location workers). Examples included upper back pain, lower back pain, and pain in arms, neck and/or shoulders. These findings are from RIVM research.

COVID-19 consequences impact vulnerable groups more in the long term

The effects of the corona crisis have a greater impact on vulnerable groups in society, such as lower-educated adults, young people, the elderly and people with underlying health problems.

New edition of Dutch food composition database NEVO-online: compositional data on more than 2150 food items

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment published a new edition of the Dutch food composition database (NEVO). This 2019 edition contains nutrient data for over 2150 food items. Values for 133 components (proteins, fats, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals) are available.

The Dutch Diet is slightly healthier

Recent years show a cautious improvement in the Dutch diet. The Dutch have started to eat more fruit and it seems to be heading in the right direction with vegetables.

First products Dutch Public Health Foresight study available in English

In 2017, RIVM launched a Trend Scenario, as well as three thematic reports about the future demand for health care, technology and wider determinants of health.

Trend scenario PHF- 2018 identifies societal challenges for the future

If historical trends continue unchanged, dementia will be the leading cause of disease burden in 2040 and the main cause of death.

Eating less salt can prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes

Lowering the amount of salt in processed foods or choosing low-salt alternatives can lead to substantial health benefits when it comes to cardiovascular disease.

Half of the Dutch participate in sport weekly

In 2014, 53% of people between the ages of 12 and 80 in the Netherlands participate in some type of sport weekly.