Almost half of Belgians aged three and over (49%) are overweight, a proportion that has not changed in 10 years, Sciensano's food consumption survey for 2022 and 2023 revealed on Thursday.
Seniors - over 65 -, men and the less educated are more likely to be overweight.
According to the survey, 71% of Belgians over 65 have a body mass index (BMI) classifying them as overweight or obese. The results for other criteria are equally alarming: 83% have a waist measurement "indicating a high to very high health risk," and for 89% of them, the ratio between their waist and waist circumference is "linked to abdominal obesity," Sciensano found.
Of the overall population, 49% are overweight, with 18% suffering from obesity. A fifth (22%) have a waist circumference that poses a "high health risk," and over a third (35%) a 'very high risk.' More than half of Belgians (59%) run an increased health risk due to their waist-to-height ratio.
Men are also more likely to be overweight, especially in the 40-64 age group (66% overweight) and senior citizens (80%). For women, 56% of 40-64 year-olds are overweight, and 64% of over-65s.
Another risk factor is the level of education: 56% of people with a lower level of education are overweight (including obesity), compared with 36% of highly qualified individuals.
