BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In 2022, obesity was linked to 9,509 fatalities in Belgium, making up 8.2 percent of the country’s total death toll, 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 mortality directly attributable to a high body mass index (BMI). The report shows that weight-related health issues caused more than one death every hour nationwide. Furthermore, the data indicates that high BMI led to over 150,000 years of life lost across all demographic groups within a single year.
The detailed epidemiological study explored the main causes of death to understand how elevated BMI influences chronic health conditions. Results identified cardiovascular problems as the leading cause of death, with coronary heart diseases responsible for 2,009 fatalities. Neurodegenerative diseases ranked second, with Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia linked to 1,652 deaths. Cerebrovascular diseases contributed to 1,171 deaths, alongside significant figures related to chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers.
Analysis of the demographic data reveals that the risk of death associated with excess weight increases considerably with age. People aged 65 and above experienced the highest rates of health issues related to obesity. Gender-specific results showed that male mortality rates were higher than female rates in most age groups. However, among those aged 85 and older, women reported higher total death rates. Experts attribute this pattern to the longer average lifespan of women within the population.
Sciensano Provides First Quantification of Mortality Related to High BMI in Belgium
Regional analysis across Belgium revealed notable differences in death rates linked to obesity. The southern region of Wallonia showed the highest mortality, with 95.21 deaths per 100,000 residents. The Brussels-Capital Region followed, recording an age-standardized rate of 85 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Flanders experienced the lowest impact, with 73.60 deaths per 100,000 people. Public health experts suggest these regional disparities reflect variations in socioeconomic status, diet, and healthcare access across Belgium’s different areas.
This data release coincides with ongoing policy evaluations conducted by the Federal Public Service Health, which manages Belgium’s national health strategies. Officials are using the findings to estimate the long-term economic impact of chronic non-communicable diseases on the healthcare system. The research employed a methodology calculating the population attributable fraction for each disease, establishing baseline figures to inform future preventive measures.
Over Two Thousand Belgian Deaths Are Due to Coronary Heart Disease
At the European level, institutions like 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 goals aimed at reducing early deaths caused by non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization’s international guidelines continue to promote integrated, multi-sectoral strategies focused on public education, nutritional labeling, and early clinical intervention to address these risk factors.
The findings provide a scientific basis for health authorities aiming to reduce high BMI prevalence across Western Europe. Quantifying both death figures and years of life lost allows policymakers to prioritize screening, intervention, and lifestyle programs. As regional health authorities interpret this data, national efforts are expected to emphasize early preventive care to lower the burden of chronic illnesses across Belgium.