BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The health institute Sciensano has revealed Belgium’s first extensive measurement of deaths linked to obesity, attributing 9,509 fatalities in 2022—comprising 8.2 percent of all national deaths—to an excessive body mass index. This translates to more than one death per hour, as weight-related health issues resulted in over 150,000 years of life lost nationwide, creating a new benchmark for health policy planning in Belgium.
The detailed epidemiological study analyzed causes of death to understand how high body mass index influences chronic health conditions. The research identified cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause, with coronary heart diseases responsible for 2,009 deaths. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer disease and other dementias, were linked to 1,652 fatalities, ranking second. Additionally, cerebrovascular diseases contributed to 1,171 deaths, while chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers also played significant roles.
Data disaggregated by demographics demonstrate that the risk of death associated with excess weight rises notably with age. The highest concentration of obesity-related health issues was observed among individuals aged 65 and above. Gender analysis showed that mortality rates for males exceeded those for females in most age groups. However, among those aged 85 and older, women had higher total death figures, a pattern attributed by epidemiologists to women’s longer average life expectancy.
Age Over Sixty-Five Correlates with Elevated Mortality Risk in Belgium
Regional disparities in mortality related to excess weight were evident across Belgium. The southern area of Wallonia recorded the highest death rate, with 95.21 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The Brussels-Capital Region had an age-standardized rate of 85 deaths per 100,000 residents. Flanders registered the lowest figures, at 73.60 deaths per 100,000 people. Experts note that these regional differences reflect socioeconomic factors, dietary habits, and disparities in healthcare availability across the Belgian federation.
This data release coincides with ongoing policy assessments overseen by the Federal Public Service Health, which manages the country’s health strategies. Public health authorities are leveraging these findings to evaluate the long-term economic impact of chronic non-communicable diseases on the healthcare infrastructure. The researchers used a comparative risk assessment approach to calculate the population attributable fraction for each disease, establishing baseline figures to inform future preventive health initiatives.
Cerebrovascular Disorders Rank as the Third Leading Cause of Death
On a European level, organizations such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control monitor similar metabolic risk factors to align regional policies. The Belgian report aligns with broader European Union health objectives aimed at decreasing early mortality from non-communicable conditions. The World Health Organization’s international health guidelines advocate for integrated strategies across sectors, emphasizing public awareness, nutritional labeling, and proactive clinical management to address metabolic risks.
These findings offer a scientific foundation for health authorities seeking to reduce high body mass index prevalence across Western Europe. By quantifying both death figures and years of life lost, policymakers can better allocate resources towards screening programs, lifestyle interventions, and preventive care initiatives. As regional authorities analyze this data, national health frameworks are expected to prioritize early preventative measures to curb chronic disease rates across the country.