Overweight Linked to 9,500 Deaths in Belgium

WAM/APP

Brussels: Excess body weight has emerged as a significant public health challenge in Belgium, with thousands of deaths in the country linked to high body mass index (BMI), according to new research.

Data released by Belgian health research institute Sciensano showed that overweight was associated with 9,509 deaths in 2022, accounting for 8.2% of all deaths recorded in the country.

The study marks the first time Sciensano has measured mortality directly linked to an excessively high BMI, highlighting the impact of overweight on a range of serious health conditions.

Researchers found that cardiovascular diseases were among the leading causes of overweight-related deaths, while dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, chronic kidney diseases and some digestive cancers also contributed significantly.

Coronary heart disease was identified as the largest contributor, linked to 2,009 deaths, followed by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias with 1,652 deaths, and cerebrovascular diseases with 1,171 deaths.

The research showed that the risk of overweight-related deaths increases with age, with the highest impact observed among people aged 65 and above.

Men recorded higher mortality rates than women in most age groups, although the trend reversed among people aged over 85, a difference researchers linked to women’s longer life expectancy.

The report also highlighted regional differences, with Wallonia recording the highest overweight-related mortality rate at 95.21 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by Brussels at 85 deaths per 100,000 and Flanders at 73.60 deaths per 100,000.

Health experts said the findings underline the need for stronger prevention efforts, including healthier lifestyles and measures to address obesity-related risks.