BeBOD estimates of population exposure to risk factors, 2013-2022

Belgian National Burden of Disease Study

Estimates of the population exposure to risk factors

Population exposure

The attribution of disease burden to risk factors requires estimates of the level of exposure in the population.

High Body Mass Index (BMI)

The prevalence of the different BMI categories and the mean BMI are based on the self-reported height and weight in the Belgian Health Interview Survey. The self-reported measures are adjusted using measured height and weight collected in the Belgian Health Examination Survey. Bayesian regression models are used to smooth, interpolate and extrapolate the observed estimates.

 Air pollution (particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone)

Population exposure to particulate matter (PM_2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone (O₃) is estimated based on air quality models developed by IRCEL-CELINE and population data from Statbel.

 Environmental noise (road traffic noise)

Population exposure to road traffic noise is based on figures reported within the EU, which are interpolated using a generalized linear model. 

 Alcohol use

The prevalence of current drinkers, former drinkers, and lifetime abstainers is derived from the Belgian Health Interview Survey. Mean alcohol consumption in grams per day among current drinkers is sourced from the Global Health Observatory, with the BHIS distribution applied to these estimates. Bayesian regression models are used to smooth, interpolate, and extrapolate the observed estimates.

More information

For additional background on BeBOD, please visit https://www.sciensano.be/en/projects/belgian-national-burden-disease-study.

Explore the estimates via https://burden.sciensano.be/shiny/risk.