BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In a groundbreaking public health report, Belgian research institute Sciensano revealed that in 2022, a body mass index that is excessively high was responsible for 9,509 deaths. These fatalities make up 8.2 percent of all deaths in Belgium during that year, indicating that more than one death per hour was linked to weight-related health issues. The study, which for the first time assessed mortality across the entire population based on BMI, found that health problems tied to obesity caused over 150,000 years of life lost collectively.
This extensive epidemiological analysis explored the underlying reasons behind death causes to understand how increased BMI contributes to chronic illnesses. The research identified cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death, with 2,009 fatalities due to coronary heart diseases. Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer disease and other dementia forms, ranked second, with 1,652 deaths. Cerebrovascular diseases accounted for 1,171 deaths, with additional significant contributions from chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers.
The demographic analysis within the dataset shows that the risk of death associated with excess weight rises notably with age. Older adults aged 65 and above experienced the highest rate of health complications linked to obesity. Gender-specific data indicated that mortality rates for males surpassed those for females in most age groups. Nonetheless, among those aged 85 and older, women had higher overall death counts, a pattern attributed by epidemiologists to women’s longer average lifespans.
Cardiovascular Issues Are the Main Cause of Obesity-Related Deaths in Belgium
Regional analysis across Belgium revealed stark differences in death rates related to obesity. The southern part of Wallonia recorded 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 people. Flanders reported the lowest impact, with 73.60 deaths per 100,000. Experts in public health note that these regional disparities likely stem from variations in socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and healthcare access across the country.
This data release coincides with ongoing policy reviews overseen by the Federal Public Service Health, which manages Belgium’s national health initiatives. Officials are now using these findings to evaluate the long-term economic effects that chronic non-communicable diseases have on the healthcare system. The methodology involved calculating the population attributable fraction for each disease, establishing baseline estimates to inform future preventative measures.
Dementia and Alzheimer Disease Responsible for Over Sixteen Hundred Deaths
At the European level, agencies 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 monitoring efforts aimed at decreasing premature deaths caused by non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization continues to endorse integrated, multi-sectoral strategies—including public education, nutritional labeling, and early clinical intervention—to address these risks.
These findings provide a data-driven foundation for health authorities working to reduce high BMI prevalence across Western Europe. Quantifying mortality figures and years of life lost helps prioritize screening, intervention programs, and lifestyle initiatives. As regional agencies analyze this data, national health strategies are expected to focus increasingly on early preventative care to curb chronic disease rates across the continent.