BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In a significant public health report, Belgian research institute Sciensano disclosed that in 2022, a total of 9,509 fatalities were associated with excessively high body mass index. This figure constitutes 8.2 percent of all deaths recorded that year in Belgium, translating to an average of more than one death per hour linked to weight-related health issues. For the first time, researchers evaluated population-wide BMI-related mortality, finding that health conditions stemming from obesity resulted in over 150,000 years of life lost overall.
The extensive epidemiological study delved into underlying causes of death to understand how elevated body mass index influences chronic health problems. The results highlighted cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause, with coronary heart diseases responsible for 2,009 deaths. Neurodegenerative illnesses, including Alzheimer disease and other dementia forms, ranked second, linked to 1,652 fatalities. Cerebrovascular disorders caused 1,171 deaths, with chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers also making notable contributions.
Data broken down by demographic factors show that mortality risk associated with excess weight increases markedly with age. Those aged 65 and older experienced the highest rates of weight-related health complications. Gender-specific analysis revealed that male mortality rates generally exceeded female rates across most age groups. However, among those aged 85 and above, women recorded higher overall death figures—a trend attributed by epidemiologists to women’s longer average life expectancy.
Cardiovascular Diseases Are the Main Cause of Death Due to Excess Weight
Regional analysis across Belgium’s territory showed notable differences in death rates linked to obesity. The southern region of Wallonia reported the highest mortality 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 inhabitants. Flanders had the lowest impact, recording 73.60 deaths per 100,000 people. Experts point out that these regional disparities reflect underlying socioeconomic factors, dietary habits, and healthcare access differences across Belgium.
This data publication coincides with policy reviews conducted under the oversight of the Federal Public Service Health, which manages national health initiatives. Public health officials are using these findings to evaluate the long-term economic strain on the healthcare system caused by chronic non-communicable diseases. The methodology applied involved calculating the population attributable fraction for each condition, establishing baseline estimates to inform future preventative strategies.
Dementia and Alzheimer Disease Account for Over Sixteen Hundred Deaths
On a broader European scale, institutions like the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control monitor similar metabolic risk factors to coordinate policy responses. The Belgian report aligns with EU health objectives aimed at decreasing early mortality from non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization’s international guidelines continue to promote integrated approaches across sectors, emphasizing public education, nutritional transparency, and early clinical intervention to reduce metabolic risk factors.
These findings provide a solid evidence base for health authorities aiming to lower high body mass index rates across Western Europe. Quantifying both death tolls and years of life lost allows public health planners to prioritize screening, intervention programs, and lifestyle modifications. As regional health authorities scrutinize this data, national strategies are expected to focus more on early preventative care to curb the prevalence of chronic diseases nationwide.