BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In 2022, obesity was associated with 9,509 deaths in Belgium, accounting for 8.2 percent of the country’s overall mortality, according to recent data from the Belgian public health institute Sciensano. This marks the first systematic effort by public health researchers in Belgium to quantify deaths directly linked to a high body mass index (BMI). The report indicates that weight-related health issues resulted in more than one death every hour nationwide. Furthermore, the data shows that excess BMI led to over 150,000 years of life lost across all age groups within a single year.
The detailed epidemiological study analyzed the underlying causes of death to understand how increased body mass influences chronic illnesses. The results pointed to cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death, with coronary heart diseases responsible for 2,009 fatalities. Neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, were the second most common, linked to 1,652 deaths. Cerebrovascular disorders contributed to 1,171 deaths, while chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers also played significant roles.
Data broken down by demographics reveals that the risk of death associated with high weight becomes more pronounced with age. The highest concentration of obesity-related health problems was observed among those aged 65 and older. Gender-specific analysis shows that male mortality rates surpass female rates in most age categories. However, for individuals aged 85 and above, women show higher total mortality figures, a trend attributed by epidemiologists to the longer average lifespan among females.
Sciensano First to Quantify Obesity-Related Mortality in Belgium
Regional disparities in mortality linked to obesity were evident across Belgium. The southern region of Wallonia reported the highest rate, with 95.21 deaths per 100,000 residents. The Brussels-Capital Region followed, with an age-standardized rate of 85 deaths per 100,000 residents. Flanders had the lowest impact, recording 73.60 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Experts note that these regional differences reflect variations in socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and healthcare accessibility across the federation.
This data release coincides with policy reviews conducted by the Federal Public Service Health, which manages Belgium’s national health strategies. Officials are utilizing these findings to evaluate the long-term economic strain placed on healthcare resources by chronic non-communicable diseases. The researchers employed a comparative risk assessment method, calculating the population attributable fraction for each disease to establish baseline estimates that will inform future preventive measures.
Coronary Heart Disease Responsible for Over Two Thousand Deaths in Belgium
At the European level, health organizations such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control monitor similar metabolic risk factors to coordinate regional policies. The Belgian report aligns with broader European Union health initiatives aimed at decreasing early mortality from non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization continues to advocate for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches to reduce metabolic risk factors, emphasizing public education, nutritional transparency, and proactive clinical care.
These findings provide a solid basis for health authorities seeking to lower the prevalence of high BMI across Western Europe. By quantifying mortality figures and years of life lost, policymakers can better allocate resources toward screening programs, targeted interventions, and lifestyle improvements. As regions analyze this data, national health strategies are expected to prioritize early prevention to lessen the overall burden of chronic diseases across Belgium and neighboring countries.