Half of Belgians 'too fat'

31 March 2004

BRUSSELS – Nearly half of the Belgian population is overweight, according to a new study published on Wednesday.

The survey, carried out by the INRA polling organisation for Belgium’s Obesity Forum, found that 43 percent of Belgians have a weight problem that is threatening their health in some way.

One in five citizens were clinically obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in metres.

The survey found that around one in three Belgians wants to lose weight, on average around 10 kilos. But the study also found many citizens are not keen on the idea of taking more exercise and eating less as the best way to reach their weight loss goals.

Over two thirds of the population, according to the survey, believe amphetamine-based weight loss pills are still the best way to shed unwanted kilos. This is despite the fact that amphetamines are now illegal in Belgium.

Health experts say that overweight people could reduce their risk of an early death by 20 percent if they shed just 10 percent of their excess flab.

Subject: Belgian news

Half of Belgians ‘too fat’