Abstract

The National Prevention Agreement, which includes agreements to curb smoking, problematic alcohol consumption and overweight, was concluded in 2018. At the time, RIVM estimated that these agreements would not be sufficient to achieve the targets for problematic alcohol consumption and overweight by 2040.

RIVM was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) to examine what additional measures are necessary to further reduce problematic alcohol use and overweight. To this end, RIVM carried out a literature review and drew up an inventory of measures which, according to the experts, will have impact. The ten best measures for combating problematic alcohol consumption and for combating overweight were then selected.

Some of the top ten measures proposed to ensure that fewer people are, or become, overweight are to raise the prices of unhealthy products and lower those of healthy products. Taxes could, for instance, be levied on sugary drinks and the VAT on products in the Disc of Five (food pyramid) could be removed. The experts also suggest that stricter agreements be made with employers regarding healthy food in the workplace and that fast food be sold in fewer places.

A number of price-related measures are included in the top ten measures to fight problematic alcohol consumption too. For example, the experts advocate raising the excise duty, introducing a minimum unit price and banning promotional discounts on alcohol. Moreover, they recommend against advertising alcohol in places where a lot of young people congregate, such as at sports clubs, and that alcohol only be sold at off-licences. More education about the detrimental effects of alcohol is advised as well.

This research does not take into account the feasibility of the proposed measures. For example whether there is sufficient support or resources. Furthermore, a calculation of the impact of measures is required to assess whether to what extent the targets will be within reach.