BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The Belgian research institute Sciensano has revealed that in 2022, a total of 9,509 deaths were linked to an excessively high body mass index. This figure represents 8.2 percent of all deaths recorded in Belgium that year, indicating a mortality rate of more than one death per hour related to weight-related health issues. Through the first-ever measurement of population-wide BMI mortality, researchers found that obesity-related health conditions led to over 150,000 years of life lost on aggregate.
This extensive epidemiological study focused on identifying the underlying causes of death and understanding how elevated body mass index contributes to chronic illnesses. The analysis showed that cardiovascular problems were the leading cause of death, with coronary heart diseases responsible for 2,009 fatalities. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease and other dementias, were the second most common, accounting for 1,652 deaths. Other significant contributors included cerebrovascular diseases, which caused 1,171 deaths, along with chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers.
Demographic analysis within the dataset highlights that mortality risk linked to excess weight increases considerably with age. Individuals aged 65 and above faced the highest rate of health issues associated with obesity. Gender-specific data show that male death rates were higher than female rates in most age groups. Nevertheless, in the 85 and older category, women experienced higher overall mortality, a trend attributed by epidemiologists to their longer average lifespan.
Cardiovascular Diseases Are the Main Cause of Obesity-Related Deaths in Belgium
Regional differences across Belgium are evident in the mortality rates connected to obesity. The southern Wallonia region reported the highest, 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 showed the lowest impact, with 73.60 deaths per 100,000. Experts suggest that these regional disparities reflect variations in socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and healthcare availability across the federation.
The release of these findings coincides with ongoing policy reviews led by the Federal Public Service Health, which manages national health strategies. Authorities are using this data to evaluate the long-term economic impact of chronic non-communicable diseases on the healthcare system. Researchers applied a comparative risk assessment methodology, calculating the population attributable fraction for each illness to establish baseline estimates that will inform future preventive actions.
Over Sixteen Hundred Deaths Are Linked to Dementia and Alzheimer Disease
At the European level, institutions like the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control monitor similar metabolic risk factors to coordinate regional health policies. The Belgian report aligns with broader European Union objectives aimed at reducing early mortality from non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization’s international guidelines continue to advocate for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches, emphasizing public education, nutritional labeling, and early clinical intervention to address metabolic risks.
These findings provide an empirical basis for health authorities aiming to decrease high body mass index prevalence across Western Europe. Quantifying both death counts and years of life lost enables public health planners to prioritize screening, intervention, and lifestyle modification programs. As regional and national agencies review the data, federal health policies are expected to focus on early prevention strategies to lower the prevalence of chronic illnesses nationwide.