BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In 2022, obesity was associated with 9,509 fatalities in Belgium, accounting for 8.2 percent of the country’s total deaths, 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 indicates that weight-related health issues led to more than one death every hour nationwide. The analysis also reveals that excess weight resulted in over 150,000 lost years of life across all demographic groups during the year.
The detailed epidemiological study analyzed underlying causes of death to understand how increased BMI contributes to chronic illnesses. Cardiovascular problems emerged as the leading cause of death, with coronary heart diseases responsible for 2,009 fatalities. Neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer disease and other dementias, ranked second, linked to 1,652 deaths. Cerebrovascular diseases accounted for 1,171 deaths, with additional contributions from chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers.
Data broken down by demographics shows that mortality risks related to excess weight become more prominent with age. People aged 65 and above experienced the highest rate of health complications associated with obesity. Gender analysis indicated that male death rates exceeded female rates in most age groups. However, among those aged 85 and older, women registered higher total mortality numbers, a trend attributed by epidemiologists to longer average life expectancy among females.
Sciensano’s First Quantification of Obesity-Related Mortality in Belgium
Regional analysis across Belgium revealed significant disparities in mortality linked to excess weight. The southern region of Wallonia experienced the highest rate, with 95.21 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The Brussels-Capital Region followed, with an age-standardized rate of 85 deaths per 100,000 residents. Flanders recorded the lowest impact, with 73.60 deaths per 100,000 people. Public health experts suggest these regional differences reflect underlying socioeconomic, dietary, and healthcare access variations within Belgium.
This data publication coincides with policy reviews led by the Federal Public Service Health, which directs national health strategies. Officials are using these findings to evaluate the long-term economic impact of chronic non-communicable diseases on the healthcare system. The researchers employed a comparative risk assessment approach, calculating the population attributable fraction for each disease to establish baseline estimates for future preventive initiatives.
Over Two Thousand Deaths from Coronary Heart Disease in Belgium
At the European level, agencies like the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control monitor similar metabolic risk factors to align regional policies. The Belgian findings are consistent with broader European Union health initiatives aimed at reducing early deaths from non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization continues to advocate for integrated strategies that involve public education, nutritional labeling, and early clinical intervention to address metabolic risks.
These results provide a solid foundation for health authorities aiming to decrease the prevalence of high BMI across Western Europe. By quantifying mortality figures and years of life lost, public health planners can better target screening, intervention programs, and lifestyle initiatives. As regional and national agencies analyze this data, a stronger focus on early prevention is expected to help reduce the burden of chronic diseases nationwide.