Seoul: Overweight was linked to 9,509 deaths in Belgium in 2022, accounting for 8.2% of all deaths in the country, according to data released by Belgian research institution Sciensano. This figure translates to more than one death every hour.

According to Emirates News Agency, Sciensano has, for the first time, quantified mortality attributable to an excessively high body mass index (BMI). The findings revealed that cardiovascular diseases, dementia including Alzheimer's disease, chronic kidney diseases, and certain types of digestive cancers were among the primary causes of death associated with overweight.

The report highlighted that the number of deaths attributable to overweight increases with age, being most pronounced among individuals aged 65 and over. Moreover, men recorded higher mortality rates than women across most age groups, except for those aged over 85, likely due to women generally having a longer lifespan.

Coronary heart diseases emerged as the leading cause of death linked to overweight, responsible for 2,009 deaths. This was followed by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, which accounted for 1,652 deaths, and cerebrovascular diseases, resulting in 1,171 deaths.

The data further unveiled geographical disparities, with Wallonia experiencing the highest mortality rate attributable to overweight at 95.21 deaths per 100,000 people. Brussels followed with a rate of 85 per 100,000, while Flanders recorded 73.60 deaths per 100,000.