Renate Dietvorst

Increasing numbers of adults and children suffer from overweight and obesity and related lifestyle diseases. These conditions pose a serious threat to public health in the Netherlands. To prevent the increase in the number of people with these conditions, preventive measures are necessary. Education can play an important role in this.

Currently, there are already initiatives in Dutch education aimed at improving children's health. A significant initiative is the 'Healthy Primary School of the Future' (Gezonde Basisschool van de Toekomst), which was also the reason for this research. This initiative focuses on improving students' health by offering healthy food and more physical activity.

The Dutch state has an obligation under international human rights frameworks to protect the health of its citizens. This legal dissertation examines the obligations of the Dutch state under these human rights frameworks regarding the protection of children's health against lifestyle-related conditions such as overweight and obesity. It investigates the role schools play, how schools currently approach health promotion, and what is legally possible in this regard. It also explores the interests affected if the Dutch government were to decide to make a health-promoting program, such as the Healthy Primary School of the Future, mandatory nationwide.