Belgium’s population consumes insufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables while overindulging in alcohol, as revealed by the Food Consumption Survey from health institute Sciensano on Tuesday.
The dietary habits of Belgian adults do not align with the nutritional recommendations of the Supreme Health Council.
The survey shows that Belgians’ intake of vegetables, fruit, water, nuts, legumes, dairy products, and fish—foods linked to positive health effects—remains far below the recommended levels.
Only 7% of the adult population consumes enough vegetables, while merely one in ten meets the fruit consumption guidelines.
Simultaneously, the consumption of products that should be limited, such as unprocessed and processed red meat, alcohol, and sugary drinks, remains excessively high. A staggering 91% of adults exceed the recommended limit for processed meats.
Despite advice to avoid alcohol, 82% still consume it. However, alcohol consumption has decreased since 2014-2015, dropping from 193 ml/day to 144 ml/day, with a slight reduction in the percentage of the population that drinks alcohol.
The survey highlights significant disparities within the population. Women, individuals with higher education, and residents of Flanders typically follow dietary recommendations more closely.
Exceptions include milk and dairy products, where men better adhere to guidelines, and alcoholic beverages, where those with lower education levels are more compliant. In Wallonia, water consumption is notably higher.
“The number of positive changes remains unfortunately limited,” says Isabelle Moyersoen, a researcher at Sciensano. “Creating an environment where healthy eating is the easiest choice should be central to public health policy.”
Sciensano suggests measures such as making healthy products more affordable, improving labelling, and imposing stricter regulations on food advertising.
