“Social media have a tremendous influence”

Health is a trending topic and there’s so much information available. Where food is concerned, in particular, many people are treading a thin line between eating consciously and a dangerous health craze. Here, social media has a tremendous influence on a lot of young people. They want a beautiful, slim body and compare themselves with others the whole time. You need to have loads of discipline. Yes, and then sometimes you think: 'Hmm, a bit more sports would do me good too.' Then, the only thing you’re concerned about is your appearance and not your health. It can’t be right that I feel guilty for eating a chocolate croissant, can it?

We are constantly confronted with different ideas of health. You have to know where to set your own limits. What’s good for one person doesn’t have to be just as good for me. Some people like going to the gym, others would rather be outside. It’s important for each person to find out what’s good for them. In our view that’s the biggest challenge.

But sports and nutrition are just one aspect of health. For us mental health is just as important. We think that input on promoting health from parents or teachers is helpful, but from a certain age each person is responsible for their own health. Spending leisure time with other people can certainly do you good. But you also have to be able to look after yourself. And cancel something if you need time and space for yourself. You need to learn to listen to your body.  That’s not always easy.”