Last updated on 30-6-2025 by Laïla Boulbayem
Why do we study energy intake?
- Energy is a fundamental requirement for life, provided by the diet in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and to a lesser extent, alcohol. The body converts these macronutrients to energy to support essential functions such as metabolism, temperature regulation, muscle activity, growth and tissue synthesis.
- Age, physical activity and physiologic state are key factors that influence an individual’s energy requirements.
- It is important to maintain energy balance as excessive energy is stored as fat while inadequate energy can lead to weight loss and health issues during periods of growth in children and adolescents. Based on the results of the survey, it is not possible to evaluate inadequate energy intake as information about individual requirements is lacking.
How do we study it?
- Habitual intake of energy was analysed using the SPADE® program. The detailed methodology can be found here.
- Habitual energy intake is expressed in kilocalories (kcal/day) per day.
- Important note: Potential misreporting of energy intake was assessed as part of data quality control. Approximately 30% of participants were identified as potential underreporters (see methodology report for more details). To avoid a substantial reduction in sample size and the risk of bias in population estimates, these individuals were retained in the analysis. As a result, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Results excluding potential underreporters are available on the interactive dashboard.
KEY RESULTS
The mean energy intake in Belgium is 1782 kcal/day
The mean energy intake is higher in men (2002 kcal/day) than women (1568 kcal/day)
There is no difference in the mean energy intake across educational levels
The mean energy intake of 1892 kcal/day in 2014-2015 decreased to 1809 kcal/day in 2022-2023
The mean energy intake is lower in Wallonia (1712 kcal/day) than Flanders (1812 kcal/day)
By age and sex
Mean energy intake (kcal/day) in the population aged 3 years and older, by age and sex, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Older adults (65 years and above) do not include those residing in care facilities, hospitalised individuals, or those who would have required significant assistance during interviews (e.g., people with cognitive impairments).
- The mean energy intake of the population is 1782 kcal/day.
- In general, men (2002 kcal/day) have higher mean energy intake than women (1568 kcal/day), a pattern that is consistent across all age groups.
- Men aged 18 to 64 years have the highest mean energy intake of 2125 kcal/day.
By educational level
Mean energy intake (kcal/day) in the population aged 3 years and older, by educational level, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- The educational level is calculated at the household level by considering the highest diploma obtained by: (i) the respondents or their partner for adults (aged 18 years and above), or (ii) the father and mother (or carer, if applicable) for children and adolescents (aged 3 to 17 years). However, for simplicity, we refer to the educational level of individuals rather than the educational level of their households.
- There are no differences in mean daily energy intake between individuals with different educational levels.
By region
Mean energy intake (kcal/day) in the population aged 3 years and older, by region, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Brussels is excluded from the regional comparison due to an insufficient number of participants, but is included in the national data for Belgium.
- The mean energy intake is lower in Wallonia (1712 kcal/day) than Flanders (1812 kcal/day).
By year
Mean energy intake (kcal/day) in the population aged 3 to 64 years, by year, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Adults aged 65 years and older are not included as they were not part of the target population of the 2014-2015 survey.
- There is a decrease in the mean energy intake from 1892 kcal/day in 2014-2015 to 1809 kcal/day in 2022-2023.
Contribution of foods to total energy intake
Contribution of foods to energy intake, in the total population aged 3 years and older, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Cereals and cereal products are the main food source of energy, accounting for 23% of total energy intake.
Please cite this page as: Sciensano. Macronutrients: Energy, Food Consumption Survey 2022-2023, June 2025, Brussels, Belgium, https://www.sciensano.be/en/results-national-food-consumption-survey-2022-2023/macronutrients/energy