Belgium
Leading cause: Cancer · 44% plant-based · 82.1 yr life expectancy · UHC 86/100
What People Eat
Cardiovascular and dietary profile drawn from WHO Global Health Estimates. Plant-based score reflects the share of whole plant foods (grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts) in the typical national diet.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Cancer · 139 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
Belgium pairs strong healthcare and a long life expectancy with cancer (139/100k) leading mortality and heart disease low. A meat-, fries-, and pastry-rich diet and rising obesity are the main dietary concerns.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Cut processed meat, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates; raise vegetable and legume intake.
- Address rising obesity with less ultra-processed food and sugary drinks.
Explore the evidence: Cancer
WHO Global Health Estimates · 2022 · age-standardized country data
→ 88 CVD deaths per 100k · 44% plant-based diet