National Knowledge Network for Systems Thinking for a Healthy Society

Cardiovascular diseases contribute significantly to the overall disease burden in the Netherlands, with substantial socioeconomic health disparities. Much of this burden can be prevented by promoting a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet, abstaining from smoking, and regular physical activity. However, focusing solely on individual behavior change is not sufficient. There is increasing recognition of the role of the environment in facilitating or hindering the adoption and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Yet, improving the healthiness of the environment is complex, as it is intertwined with broader systems of social, economic, and political factors. Applying systems thinking provides a better understanding of this complex reality and identifies potential ways (points of leverage) to make it healthier. Currently, knowledge about systems thinking is fragmented across various scientific disciplines, and there is a significant delay between scientific insights and their practical application—what we refer to as 'system doing.' With this knowledge network, we aim to consolidate efforts around systems thinking and doing, involving individuals from a wide range of sectors necessary for a healthier society: research, healthcare, government, and other societal organizations. Our goal is to support the transition to a healthier living environment.

Did you know that......

...80% of the product offerings in Dutch supermarkets are unhealthy? (Poelman et al., 2021)

...only 21% of the special offers in Dutch supermarkets are for healthy products? (Poelman et al., 2021)

...in 2022, as much as 23% of the total mortality among men and women was caused by cardiovascular diseases? (Hartstichting)

...the life expectancy of people with obesity is, on average, 5 years lower than that of people with a healthy weight, and their healthcare costs are on average 30% higher? (Ruijter et al., 2023)