The Belgian Association for the Study of Obesity (BASO)

BASO is the principal obesity organization in Belgium and is a Full Member of World Obesity Federation.

BASO wants to promote interdisciplinary cooperation in the treatment of obesity and encourages health professionals and scientists of different disciplines to become a member of BASO.

BASO aims to facilitate communication between individuals and organisations and encourages every initiative to counter the obesity epidemic.

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Mar 4, 2025 | BASO

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Obesity Platform Belgium Policy Recommendations for a Holistic Approach to Obesity as a Chronic Disease

The prevalence of overweight and obesity poses a challenge for society. The latest data reveals that almost half (49.3%) of the adult population are living with overweight, while 15.9% are living with obesity.

Forecasts for 2030 are alarming, with a predicted obesity prevalence of 17.2% among women and 27.6% among men. In children and adolescents, 19% struggle with overweight; while a subgroup of 5,8% has obesity. This is especially alarming as obesity in childhood and adolescence has major implications because it usually persists into adulthood and is associated with many somatic and psychological comorbidities, which can result in premature death.

Action is needed.

Cover of a white paper by Obesity Platform Belgium titled "Policy Recommendations for a Holistic Approach to Obesity as a Chronic Disease," with BASO and OPB logos.

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Shifting perspectives

However, not everything is doom and gloom. There is a growing understanding of the pathophysiology of this complex, multifactorial disease which has led to a paradigm shift in the way we approach the prevention and treatment of this chronic disease. Obesity can no longer be seen primarily due to a low willingness to change lifestyle habits, and it is fundamentally important that this is understood to improve the attitudes of therapists and their communication with affected individuals and families.

Policy alignment

In the interim, policies need to align with these evolving insights and offer tailored solutions for those living with overweight and obesity. In this executive summary, our objective is to furnish an overview of successful policies implemented in Belgium, while also highlighting policy gaps that demand urgent attention given the pressing nature of the issue.