BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In Belgium, the public health institute Sciensano has revealed Belgium’s first detailed analysis of mortality linked to obesity. The report states that in 2022, 9,509 fatalities—equating to 8.2 percent of all deaths—were attributable to an excessively high body mass index. This translates to more than one death every hour. Weight-related health issues resulted in over 150,000 years of life lost nationwide, setting a new benchmark for health policy planning in Belgium.
The extensive epidemiological study delved into the root causes of death to assess how increased body mass index influences chronic illnesses. The results highlighted cardiovascular problems as the leading cause of death, with coronary heart diseases responsible for 2,009 fatalities. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, were the second most common, linked to 1,652 deaths. Cerebrovascular diseases contributed to 1,171 deaths, and significant roles were played by chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers.
Analysis by demographic segments shows that the risk of mortality associated with excess weight increases considerably with age. The highest rates of health complications linked to overweight were observed in individuals aged 65 and above. Gender-specific data revealed that men generally had higher death rates than women across most age groups. Nevertheless, among those aged 85 and older, women experienced higher overall mortality, a pattern attributed by epidemiologists to their longer average lifespan.
Analysis Indicates Elevated Risks for Citizens Over 65
Regional disparities in mortality related to excess weight were evident throughout Belgium. The southern Wallonia region reported the highest mortality 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 showed the lowest impact, recording 73.60 deaths per 100,000 people. Experts note that these regional differences likely reflect variations in socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and healthcare accessibility across the Belgian federation.
The release of this data coincides with ongoing policy evaluations overseen by the Federal Public Service Health, which manages the country’s health strategies. Public health officials are now using these insights to evaluate the long-term economic impact on the healthcare system caused by chronic non-communicable diseases. The researchers employed a comparative risk assessment approach, calculating the population attributable fraction for each disease to establish baseline figures that will guide future preventative measures.
Cerebrovascular Diseases as the Third Leading Cause of Death
Across Europe, institutions such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control monitor similar metabolic risk factors to coordinate regional health policies. The Belgian findings align with broader European Union efforts to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable illnesses. The World Health Organization’s international guidelines advocate for integrated, cross-sector strategies that focus on public education, nutritional labeling, and early clinical intervention to address metabolic risks.
These results provide a scientific foundation for European health authorities working to lower the prevalence of high body mass index across Western Europe. By quantifying death counts and years of life lost, policymakers can better allocate resources for screening, intervention programs, and lifestyle modifications. As regional agencies analyze this data, national health systems are expected to prioritize early preventive care to curb chronic disease rates nationwide.