Improving public health and promoting physical activity are core tasks of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Physical inactivity is associated with chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, overweight and obesity. These conditions cause a large burden on the health care system and health care costs. Physical inactivity is a global public health priority. RIVM is actively involved in this topic, both at national and international level.