As the global obesity epidemic continues to escalate, Belgium finds itself grappling with alarming statistics that underscore the profound impact of this health crisis on its population.
With more than a billion people worldwide living with obesity, the situation in Belgium is no exception, raising significant concerns about the nation’s health and well-being.
A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed a staggering increase in obesity rates in Belgium between 1990 and 2022.
Among women, obesity rates more than doubled, rising from 8.8% to 18.5%, while in men, the increase was even more pronounced, nearly tripling from 4.8% to 14.0%.
These findings, although dating back several years, continue to reflect a disturbing trend that demands urgent attention.
Professor Doctor Roman Vangoitsenhoven, an endocrinologist and obesity expert at UZ Leuven, emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“Even though these figures date back several years, they still reveal a clear increase,” he remarked, highlighting the persistent rise in obesity prevalence among the Belgian population.
Data from a 2018 national health survey conducted by Sciensano further underscores the severity of the issue.
In just two decades, the proportion of adults classified as overweight or obese has seen a significant surge. In 1998, approximately 40% of adults were overweight, with 10% classified as obese.
By 2018, these figures had risen to 50% and 16%, respectively, with objective measurements painting an even grimmer picture, indicating that over half of the adult population was overweight, and 21% were living with obesity.
“It is striking that, even then, more than half of adults were overweight, which means half the population weighs more than what we would call a normal weight,” noted Vangoitsenhoven.
“We find ourselves in a situation where normal no longer describes the majority, which is kind of strange.”
However, the consequences of obesity extend far beyond physical health concerns. Obesity is often considered a gateway disease, predisposing individuals to a plethora of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney diseases.
Moreover, the psychological toll of obesity cannot be overlooked, with many patients experiencing depression and reduced motivation to engage in physical activity, exacerbating the cycle of weight gain.
The financial burden of obesity is equally substantial, with healthcare costs related to overweight and obesity amounting to approximately €1.5 billion in Belgium in 2018 alone.
Factors such as genetics and socio-economic status play significant roles in shaping obesity prevalence, with family predisposition accounting for 50% of an individual’s weight and lower-income groups facing greater challenges in accessing healthy food options.
Martijn Schoneveld, abdominal & bariatric surgeon at UZ Brussel, shed light on the socio-economic disparities underlying obesity rates.
“Overweight and obesity are strongly related to socio-economic status, with a much higher prevalence among people with a lower educational level,” he explained.
“Healthy food is not always affordable, especially for lower-income groups, leading to a reliance on cheaper, less nutritious alternatives.”
As Belgium grapples with the complex interplay of health concerns and socio-economic realities, addressing the obesity crisis requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses access to healthy food, education, and support for vulnerable communities.
Only through concerted efforts can Belgium hope to stem the tide of obesity and safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens for generations to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
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