BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In a significant public health report, Belgian research institute Sciensano revealed that in 2022, 9,509 deaths were associated with excessively high body mass index. This figure accounts for 8.2 percent of all deaths in Belgium during that year. It means there was more than one death per hour related to weight-related health issues. Researchers, for the first time, measured BMI mortality across the entire population. They found that obesity-related health problems led to over 150,000 years of life lost on aggregate.
The detailed epidemiological study explored the underlying causes of death to understand how high body mass index influences chronic illnesses. The results showed that cardiovascular issues were the main cause of death, with coronary heart diseases responsible for 2,009 fatalities. Neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer disease and other dementias, were the second largest group, linked to 1,652 deaths. Cerebrovascular diseases caused 1,171 deaths. Chronic kidney disease and various digestive cancers also made significant contributions to the mortality figures.
Data breakdowns by demographics indicate that age plays a significant role in weight-related mortality risks. People aged 65 and over faced the highest rate of health problems linked to excess weight. Gender analysis shows that men generally had higher mortality rates than women across most age groups. Yet, among those aged 85 and older, women recorded more deaths overall. Experts believe this is because women tend to live longer on average.
Cardiovascular Issues Are the Main Cause of Obesity-Related Deaths in Belgium
Regional differences in mortality rates related to obesity are clear across Belgium. The southern region of Wallonia had the highest rate, with 95.21 deaths per 100,000 residents. The Brussels-Capita Region followed closely with an age-standardized rate of 85 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Flanders reported the lowest impact, with 73.60 deaths per 100,000 residents. Experts note that these regional variations reflect differences in socioeconomic status, diet, and healthcare access across Belgium.
This data release comes at the same time as policy reviews led by the Federal Public Service Health. These reviews aim to understand the long-term financial impact on the healthcare system caused by chronic non-communicable diseases. Researchers used a method called population attributable fraction to estimate how much each disease contributes to the overall mortality. These baseline figures will help guide future prevention efforts.
Dementia and Alzheimer Disease Account for Over Sixteen Hundred Deaths
At the European level, organizations such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control track similar metabolic risk factors. These efforts support regional policies aimed at reducing early deaths caused by non-communicable illnesses. The World Health Organization also recommends integrated strategies involving public education, nutritional labelling, and early clinical intervention to control metabolic risks.
The findings provide health authorities with a solid foundation to reduce high BMI rates in Western Europe. By quantifying total deaths and years of life lost, they can prioritize screening, intervention programs, and lifestyle initiatives. As regional and national bodies analyze this data, there is a clear focus on early prevention to lower the prevalence of chronic diseases across the region.