An ever-increasing number of Belgian workers, nearly 60%, are struggling with obesity and 25% have hypertension, a health report by prevention service IDEWE showed on Thursday.
59% of employees exercise less than 90 minutes per week – far below the recommended level of activity. The report shows that 58% of Belgian workers are overweight (64% among men and 50% among women). The finding marks a pronounced increase from 51% of all workers in 2011 and IDEWE stated that the number grows each year.
Hypertension is also on the rise – from 19% in 2019 to 25%. Again, the figure is higher in men (30%) than in women (17%).
Missing activity requirements
The report revealed that 59% of employees exercise for less than 90 minutes per week. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 150 minutes of intensive exercise per week. Only 30% of surveyed workers reach those 150 minutes, while 59% of employees exercise less than 90 minutes per week.
"More exercise not only has a direct and measurable positive effect, it also lowers stress and helps you relax and sleep more easily," said Sofie Vandenbroeck, responsible knowledge information and research at IDEWE.
Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke suggested that company staff take breaks throughout the day to "stretch their legs".
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The report also highlighted the role of employers in the health of their employees. For instance, employers can motivate staff to eat healthy food in the office by providing fruit or soups or can organise walking meetings or after-work activities. Adjustable desks that allow staff to stand can also be effective.
