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Hamid Ghareh Hassanlou, an Iranian radiologist, has just been sentenced to death in his country for having come to the aid of peaceful protestors opposed to the regime. Such a threat of reprisals for exercising the medical profession is intolerable.  Signed by Sadeghi-Meibodi Niloufar, Director of the Radiology Department; Jean-Michel Hougardy, H.U.B. Medical Director; Renaud Witmeur, H.U.B. General Director; Nicolas Mavroudakis, Professor of Neurology and Dean of the ULB Faculty of Medicine.    We have learned with consternation of the death sentence passed on Dr Hamid Ghareh Hassanlou, a radiologist in Iran, for having come to the aid of peaceful protestors opposed to the regime. This death sentence is a serious violation of the values of humanism and freedom of thought that we strongly defend.    As human beings and more particularly as doctors, nurses and employees of the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.), a grouping of the Erasmus Hospital, the Children's Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute, we cannot remain silent in the face of such a decision! It is our duty to protect the life and dignity of each individual.    The death penalty, used as a tool of repression by a totalitarian regime, is cruel and deeply inhumane. It sows terror, banishes freedom of thought, kills humanism and adds to suffering and grief.    We are also shocked to observe that the Iranian Government is using hospitals and universities to search for opponents, using ambulances as a means of transport for the forces of repression and giving prison sentences to aid workers (with the emblematic case  of a 28-year sentence for Olivier Vandescasteele as part of a macabre attempt at "hostage diplomacy"). We cannot remain silent and appeal for the mobilisation of all.    An affront to fundamental values  Freedom of thought should be a fundamental right for each individual. Every individual has the right to speak freely and to express his or her convictions without fear of reprisals. Everybody should have the right to practice their profession of nurse, teacher or academic without violation of their fundamental rights. The right to health is equally essential. Sentencing to death a doctor, whose action symbolises the profound meaning of his profession while at the same time defending the values of humanism and freedom of thought, is a dramatic affront to the most elementary fundamental values.    As staff and directors at the H.U.B., we protest strongly against any action that opposes humanism, freedom of thought and the very meaning of the act of caring for others. All persons, whatever their origins, their beliefs or their culture, are entitled to health and access to hospitals that must remain inviolable in all circumstances. We are united in defending these unalienable rights and demand respect for the life and dignity of each individual.   

Our Geriatric Rehabilitation Center (GRC) is undergoing a major transformation to provide both patients and care teams with a more comfortable, modern, and well-adapted environment. Read more Renovations designed for comfort and safety The building is being fully modernized. Key improvements include:Modernization of technical installations: new boiler, connection to city water network, new main electrical panel, upgraded ventilation, new hot and cold water distribution, radiators, and a new nurse call system.Installation of a new elevator, improving vertical circulation within the building — a benefit for patients with reduced mobility, beds, and medical equipment.These upgrades ensure a safer and more comfortable environment, fully in line with current technical and sanitary standards.Redesigned rooms for more comfort and privacyPatient rooms have been completely rethought:Double rooms increased from 14 m² to 26 m², providing significantly more comfort and dignity.Brighter rooms with warm, contemporary materials.Each room will have a full bathroom: walk-in shower, sink, and wall-mounted toilet — a major improvement for autonomy and comfort.Wider doors for easier bed access and fully equipped bed panels for medical needs (medical gases, electrical outlets).These changes create a more humane, serene, and dignified living environment that meets modern expectations of comfort and privacy.A better work environment for care teamsThese renovations also benefit the daily work of our staff. A modern, functional, and comfortable environment supports efficient care and the well-being of patients. Thanks to all teams Despite the ongoing works, GRC staff remain professional and dedicated, adapting to temporary inconveniences with care and attention, always prioritizing patient well-being.By modernizing the GRC, H.U.B. is investing in high-quality, safe, and welcoming care environments for every geriatric patient. We thank all patients and their families for their patience and trust.ContactReception: +32 (0)2 777 22 00Admission: Tél : +32 (0)2 777 23 38 - Email : admission [dot] CRG [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (admission[dot]CRG[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Secretariat: Tél: +32 (0)2 777 23 33 ou Tél: +32 (0)2 777 23 31 - Email: SecMed [dot] CRG [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (SecMed[dot]CRG[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Visiting hours: De 14h à 20h

Your hospital’s magazine Whether you are a patient, relative of a patient, future patient or visitor, we invite you to discover the H.U.B’s new magazine:  “The hospital and YOU”. Packed with information and news on our care and care staff, our fields of expertise and innovations! Your health is at the centre of our concerns.  Discover all the issues here and keep up to date on all that is happening at the H.U.B! N°1 - DECEMBER 2023 Discover the first issue File hub_decembre_2023.pdf

Inspired by international models, this unique approach marks a turning point in our conception of the way mental health is treated. Read more Rethinking psychiatry: network diagnosis For a long time, psychiatry was based on a traditional biomedical model that sought a relationship of cause and effect between life events and psychiatric symptoms — “He is depressed because he has lost his job,” for example. This linear and causal vision is no longer sufficient.The new approach adopted by the H.U.B is based on a network model in which every element in a person’s life — health, family relations, job, administrative procedures, environment — is regarded as part of an interconnected knot. Together these form a living cartography of the patient’s issues.Each member of the care team (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, etc.) brings his or her own reading to the situation to build a shared and evolving understanding of the situation.“A person cannot be reduced to their psychiatric symptoms or to a single cause. This collaborative model makes it possible to interconnect the medical, psychological and social elements. The patient is no longer “treated” from a single perspective, but supported by a genuine team that thinks and acts together,” explains Professor Pierre Oswald, Head of the H.U.B Department of Psychiatry.A truly collaborative governanceWithin this new dynamic, every professional has a voice. Every week the team defines, discusses and reappraises the patient’s care priorities as part of a horizontal dynamic in which communication and trust take precedence over traditional hierarchical frameworks.The role of nurse takes on a new dimension as the guarantor of trust, motor for the link between disciplines and spokesperson for the patient’s day-to-day reality. ​“This model gives new meaning to our work. We are no longer content to simply act on instructions: we reflect together, we share our views, we learn to listen to contributions from other disciplines. This strengthens team cohesion and, above all, the quality of the care and support for the patient,” explains Anthony Arend, Head Nurse at the H.U.B Department of Psychiatry.More a change of culture than a hospital protocolThe aim of this approach is above all human and organisational. It aims to encourage truly multidisciplinary care that is not focused on the diagnosis but rather on all the dimensions that influence the patient’s life and recovery. This model is also an invitation to rethink connections with the exterior: family network, first line actors and community structures are all included in the hospitalisation reflection so as to prepare a more fluid discharge and more stable return to everyday life.An inspiration for the future of psychiatric careThe H.U.B Department of Psychiatry aims, in the long term, to become a reference for this kind of integrated collaboration and encourage other institutions — psychiatric hospitals as well as general psychiatry services — to draw inspiration from it. ​“It is not a miracle method but rather a necessary development,” stresses Professor Oswald. “We want to open up a space for reflection and cooperation between care staff and give new life to our practices in which the patient is central, not as the recipient of care but as a an individual at the heart of a living network.”

Discover the H.U.B, its spirit and its values, in pictures. A reference centre at international level located at the heart of Brussels, the Brussels University Hospital proposes general, oncological and paediatric care of the highest quality, leading edge research and high level teaching through its three institutions: the Jules Bordet Institute, the Erasmus Hospital and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF)

The Department of Psychiatry at the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) is opening a specialised outpatient consultation to provide rapid access to innovative treatment and comprehensive care. ​Read more Interview with Professor Pierre Oswald, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Dr. Youssouf Ramdani, Psychiatrist Depression is a common illness. It can affect anybody at any point in their life. In most cases treatment permits a significant improvement. For some people, however, despite adhering strictly to the prescribed treatment the symptoms remain all too present, in the form of tiredness, loss of interest or pleasure, pain, anxiety, despair, etc. We then speak of   treatment-resistant depression.What is treatment-resistant depression?This simply means that usual treatment has not helped sufficiently and does not mean that “nothing works”. Treatment-resistant depression is not an incurable illness or in any way inevitable. It is rather a form of recurrent depression that requires other approaches  that are sometimes more intensive or more innovative. Professor Pierre Oswald: ”Treatment-resistant depression is not a life sentence. Today we have numerous effective treatment options that can help.”  Why can depression resist treatment?Because the depression affects the individual in their entirety:  Mood,Energy,Sleep,Concentration,Appetite,Pain,Relationships,The way they perceive themselves, their past and their future.It is therefore logical that no single treatment will always be sufficient. That is why the H.U.B proposes   comprehensive care that acts on the body, the mind and lifestyle.  What solutions does the H.U.B propose?  1. Traditional and enhanced medicationThere are several groups of antidepressants. When an initial treatment fails to produce sufficient results, the psychiatrist can change the molecule, progressively increase the dose or combine two treatments to boost  effectiveness.  These adjustments are common and are simply ways of finding the right formula for the right person as we do not all react in the same way.  In some more severe cases a treatment can be administered by means of an injection or infusion for a more intense action. These procedures are always carried out in a secure environment with support staff present.  2. Psychological therapiesThese therapies play a major role in improving the patient’s condition and preventing a relapse. They do not replace medication but they can be a very effective supplement.  Here are a few examples:Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – This helps to identify negative automatic thoughts (“I am worthless”, “nothing ever changes”) and to replace them with more realistic and reassuring thoughts. It also provides practical tools for taking action in everyday life.  Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) – This approach is used when painful memories or traumas sustain the depression. It makes it possible to “desensitize” the emotion associated with these memories so that they cause less pain. Psycho-corporal therapies such as relaxation, meditation or hypnosis – These techniques engage the body to calm the mind, reduce rumination, reduce anxiety and help the individual to be present in the moment. They are very useful when the depression is accompanied by stress or fatigue. Why are these therapies so important?  Because they make it possible to act on those symptoms that medicines treat less effectively: guilt, intrusive thoughts, psychological pain, relational difficulties or loss of self confidence.  3. Physical treatmentIn some situations treatment that acts on the brain can be proposed.Electroconvulsive therapy (ECTY) that is a modern treatment, administered under close medical supervision and that bears no relation to the images you find in certain films.  Here is the reality of ECT: It is administered under a general anaesthetic of short duration (as for minor surgery),The patient feels nothing, no pain,The whole procedure is monitored by a trained and experienced medical team.ECT is only used in special cases, such as extremely severe depression with a vital risk or when eating has become impossible. In these situations it can be very effective and very rapid and thereby save lives. The psychiatrist always takes the time to explain everything and answer questions. Nothing is done without the patient’s consent. 4. Work on lifestyleThis is not a question of “giving advice” as lifestyle is an inherent part of the treatment. When sleep or diet are disrupted over a long period, or physical activity is very reduced, the brain itself suffers from the effects and the depression deepens. At the H.U.B teams support patients on the road to improvement:   Sleep – Understanding the body’s rhythm, restoring regularity, treating insomnia (unable to get to sleep or waking up often) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).   Diet – Some people lose their appetite while others eat to calm psychological pain. Personalised support makes it possible to avoid deficiencies and to stabilise energy.  Physical activity – This improves mood as much as certain drugs and helps relieve anxiety. No performance level is required and just a few minutes’ physical activity a day is enough to start with.  Stress management – Breathing, relaxation, total awareness and organisation of everyday life are all tools that make days brighter and avoid relapse. A new outpatient consultation dedicated to treatment-resistant depression: rapid and effective accessThe H.U.B has opened a specialised consultation providing access to an innovative treatment: esketamine. This treatment acts differently to conventional antidepressants and in 60 % of patients a notable improvement is observed where other treatments have failed.  Why is this major progress?The treatment is reimbursed for episodes of treatment-resistant depression (by the terms of INAMI [National Institute  for Health and Disability Insurance] regulations).It requires no hospitalisation: everything takes place as an outpatient, with nursing and medical supervision.Once the treatment is validated by a psychiatrist, appointments can be made quickly whereas other Belgian hospitals have very long waiting lists.  It is a complementary treatment that supplements usual antidepressants.  Dr Youssouf Ramdani : “This treatment does not work miracles, but it does give an additional chance to people who are sometimes locked into a suffering that is lasting.”  Why outpatient treatment?Because today it is no longer necessary to be hospitalised to benefit from specialised treatment. The aim is to:  Propose flexible proximity treatment to people who live in the region,To reduce treatment waiting times,To ensure continuous monitoring by the usual care staff.The H.U.B: a place where we care for the entire personDepression is treated by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, sleep specialists, dieticians, algologists, etc. The aim is to ensure that no patient is “shunted around” from one department or hospital to another.  “Mental and physical health are linked. A person can never be defined solely by their symptoms. Our mission is to support the individual in their entirety,” concludes Professor Pierre Oswald Are you seeking help? Do you think this may concern you?Contact The H.U.B Department of PsychiatryTelephone : +32 (0)2 555 43 20Email: Cons [dot] Psy [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Psy[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Solutions exist. You are not alone. Make an appointment

The neonatology department was featured in a TV report by RTL It explains the kangaroo method or "zero separation": a practice that consists of placing the premature infant skin-to-skin against the mother and thus maintaining the bond for as long as possible. This reduces stress for the newborn, helps to reduce mortality by 25% and promotes the baby's healthy development. Report

Image Are you a physician and would like to obtain your patients’ medical results?SecMed [dot] Gyn-Obs [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Please contact the Obstetrics Clinic directly.)  By your side throughout pregnancy, during childbirth, and after delivery Image Image Image Respect for the individual needs of each patient Our mission is to be by your side, supporting you and your baby throughout the unique journey of motherhood. From the very first months of your pregnancy to the precious moments after birth, we do everything possible to provide attentive, personalized, and safe care.We understand that every pregnancy and every birth are different, and we are committed to respecting your choices and listening to your needs, while answering all your questions with care and compassion. A multidisciplinary approach Thanks to our expertise and our intra- and inter-hospital collaborations, we are able to tailor our care to your specific needs, whether you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, complications arise, or you require enhanced medical monitoring.Together, we create a safe and supportive birth environment, where every member of the team works collaboratively to ensure your comfort and that of your baby.This allows you to move forward with peace of mind at every stage, feeling confident and fully supported, so you can experience this exceptional moment in the best possible conditions. Image Giving birth in motion with epidural: a new childbirth experience at H.U.B.! Since 2026, expectant mothers have been able to give birth vaginally at H.U.B. with a walking epidural. This innovation provides effective pain relief while allowing mothers to remain mobile during labour. Mobility supports the natural progression of childbirth and improves maternal comfort, while maintaining a high level of safety for both mother and baby.For more information, please contact our medical secretariat by email at: Contact us Our care services Support before birthConsultations for pregnancy follow-up.Emergency consultations for conditions and bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy.Hospitalization of pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies.Preparation for vaginal birth without medical intervention.Preparation for the delivery of a breech baby.Specific care pathways for pregnant women with gestational diabetes, sickle cell disease, heart disease, obesity (or who have undergone bariatric surgery), or cancer. Support after birthStay in the maternity ward.Stay in the Maternal Intensive Care Unit.Postpartum follow-up.Stay in the Neonatology Department as part of our “zero separation” policy.  Births at H.U.B. in 2024 Source : Rapport CEPIP 2024 1.891 Childbirths 16,4% Cesarean deliveries 8,3% Instrumental vaginal deliveries 2,9% Episiotomies Our brand-new maternity ward Visiting hours at the maternity ward of Erasmus Hospital – H.U.B. To ensure maximum rest for the newborn and their parents, we recommend prioritizing visits once you have returned home.However, visits are allowed under the following conditions, with a maximum of four people in the room at the same time:The maternity ward is located on the 2nd floor, route 328.Co-parent of the newborn (or a designated support person in the absence of the co-parent): 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Please note that additional fees will be charged for the co-parent.Newborn’s family members (siblings, grandparents, uncles/aunts): from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 7 days a week.  A clinic accredited since 2008 Erasme Hospital promotes an obstetric approach that is as minimally invasive as possible. This is reflected in the 2024 rates of episiotomies (2.9%), cesarean deliveries (16.4%), and instrumental deliveries (8.3%), which are among the lowest in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. In fact, half of all births take place without medical intervention. Respect for the mother–child bond is at the heart of our approach, including in the case of cesarean delivery. The Obstetrics Clinic has held the “Baby-Friendly Hospital” (BFHI) label since 2008. The practice of gentle cesarean delivery at Erasmus Hospital – H.U.B. Image Le Cocon – Your birth suite Within the Obstetrics Clinic, Le Cocon offers a prenatal care program with a specially designed birth space managed by our midwives. It allows expectant mothers to experience a natural birth in a reassuring environment similar to that of home.This concept, known as a “birth lodge,” is the first of its kind in Belgium to be integrated within a hospital. In this space, which is both safe and free from medical intervention (except in the case of complications), women can experience their pregnancy differently and give birth naturally. Contact Le Cocon Prof. Clotilde Lamy, Directrice de la Clinique de l'Obstétrique Prof. Clotilde Lamy, Director of the Obstetrics Clinic Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lamy Isaline Gonze, Head Midwife, Mother and Child Department Our team of specialists DoctorsProf. Clotilde LAMYDr. Stéphanie ROMNEEDr Caroline DE CONINCKDr Sara DERISBOURGDr Giulia GAROFALODr Mathilde VALCARENGHIDr An VERCOUTEREDr Siham ZAYTOUNIConsultantsDr Sophie MENARDDr Cristina ROTEA  Would you like to schedule an appointment with one of our obstetrician-gynecologists? SecMed [dot] Gyn-Obs [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Please contact our medical secretariat) The birth of your baby: a wonderful adventure to prepare for! To welcome your baby and prepare as best as possible for your new life as parents, we invite you to take part in birth and parenting preparation sessions, either in small groups or individually.These sessions aim to provide well-being, attentive support, and practical advice, all in a calm and friendly atmosphere. They are led by midwives and take place several times a week, allowing you to choose the time that suits you best. We offer a comprehensive birth preparation program as well as more specialized preparation sessions. Would you like to learn more about:Group prenatal physiotherapy sessionsIndividual prenatal physiotherapy consultations“Return to the Nest” physiotherapy sessionsGroup postnatal physiotherapy sessionsYou can find all the practical details in our brochure “Tailor-made Birth Preparation”, available for download in the Resources for Expectant Parents section below.You may also contact us directly by phone (prenatal/postnatal physiotherapy only): +32 2 555 52 54.The “9 Months” brochure will guide you throughout your pregnancy, step by step. Resources for Expectant Parents BROCHURE – 9 Months BROCHURE – Personalized Birth Preparation BROCHURE – My Baby Is in Breech Position VIDEO – Gentle Cesarean: Gentle Cesarean Delivery at Erasmus Hospital LEAFLET – Breastfeeding Is Ideal for Your Baby LEAFLET – Breastfeeding Your Baby DEPLIANT - Exprimer son lait, le conserver, le donner LEAFLET – Expressing, Storing, and Feeding Breast Milk

The Erasmus Hospital, and by extension the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B), awards particular importance to developing the Patient Partnership. What does the approach cover? We encourage and support patients in acting as a partner in their own care:  By ensuring they receive a maximum of information throughout the care pathway;  By listening to what the patient has to say about their situation and experience with the illness; By taking into account the patient’s priorities and goals; By encouraging shared decision-making; By taking account of the patient’s suggestions regarding the care pathway. We want to enable patients who so wish to be involved at the institutional level This can take a number of forms: Cooperating in training professionals; Being involved in research; Supporting patients who are experiencing similar health problems to their own; Participating in the institutional reflection on how to improve quality, safety and patient satisfaction. How is the Patient Partnership organised? The Patient Partnership project revolves around four main lines of approach that impact at various levels of care and that include the patients as:  Actors in their own care project; Resources within teams of professionals to improve the patient’s experience (testimonies, discussion groups, patient coach, etc.);  Interlocutors with whom the professionals work to improve the various processes (patients committee, etc.);  Active members in reflections on the pertinence and coherence of research and training projects within the Erasmus Hospital and the H.U.B.  Discover the testimony of Mme AnhThi Nguyen, oncology patient-expert, who is a member of the Quality, Security and Patient Partnership team and contributes her experience as peer-accompanier. The Committee of Partner Patients (CPP) To put this patient institutional involvement into practice, a Committee of Partner Patients (CPP) has been set up at the Erasmus Hospital as well as in each of the H.U.B institutions.  Why become a member of the Committee of Partner Patients (CPP)? If you have had experiences of care at the Erasmus Hospital and would like to share them, you can join the committee.  As member of the CPP you are a genuine partner of the institution and contribute actively not only to   improving the quality and safety of care for yourself and other patients, but also to the continuous training of carers. You attend regular meetings where focus groups consider questions concerning the patient experience at the hospital. You are of course free to refuse or agree to participate in what is proposed.  You are invited, for example: To give your opinion on documents addressed to all patients; To put forward suggestions on how to improve the care pathway;  To propose measures or changes concerning the quality and safety of care (prevention of infections or falls, checking patient identity, etc.)  To suggest possible approaches concerning certain aspects of care.  What conditions must you meet? Aged over 18; Attend the Erasmus Hospital on a regular basis; The desire to input ideas or constrictive opinions; The desire to help other people and to help work towards a goal that transcends your own health situation;  Fluency in French and/or Dutch; The ability to listen and empathy; The demonstrated desire to be involved in regard to other patients, other clinical teams or the institution;  Be available and motivated to commit during the required time; at least five two-hour meetings are held each year.  How to become a member of the Committee of Partner Patients (CPP)?  Simply send an email to Partenariat-patients [dot] qualite [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Partenariat-patients[dot]qualite[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)  briefly describing (the equivalent to one A4 page maximum) your reasons to participating in the Committee of Partner Patients. Remember to give your full details (first name, last name, address and telephone number).  If you are unable to send us an email you can also contact us by post at:  Direction Qualité, Sécurité et Partenariat Patient H.U.B – Campus Anderlecht 808 Route de Lennik 1070 Bruxelles Your application will be carefully considered and we will get back to you within 30 days.  What are you committing to? Actively participating in at least 3 the 5 CPP meetings held every year; During a period of 2 years; Strictly respecting the confidentiality of exchanges.  Information shared within the CPP is subject to the rules of confidentiality comparable to professional secrecy. To ensure compliance each member receives training on the subject. Each committee member signs a charter of confidentiality ; Listening to others and adopting a constructive approach; This is a voluntary commitment with no remuneration; You are covered by insurance when present at the hospital; Your travel and parking expenses are borne by the hospital. How are the meetings organised? The committee meets physically at least 5 times a year (October, December, February, April and June); The dates and times are set in cooperation with the participants; The committee meets on the Anderlecht campus; Additional meetings are possible depending on the projects; Each meeting is chaired by a coordinator representing the institution and a patient committee member; An agenda is drawn up and communicated at least one week before the meeting; Minutes are drawn up  no later than 1 month after the meeting and sent out to participants for validation ; The minutes are approved at the start of each meeting. Can I resign from my commitment? You are free to resign from the committee at any time. You must notify us of this by email to Partenariat-patients [dot] qualite [at] hubruxelles [dot] be   Contact Service Qualité, Sécurité et Partenariat Patient  Partenariat-patients [dot] qualite [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Partenariat-patients[dot]qualite[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) 

On the occasion of World Obesity Day, Ingrid Hanson, a dietitian accredited by the Federal Public Service for Public Health at the Integrated Obesity Center of H.U.B., explains the delicate issue of nutrition for patients who wish or need to lose weight. A personalized and Sustainable Care What is the role of a dietitian in the management of a patient with obesity? How does this differ from that of a nutritionist?The Integrated Obesity Center supports patients who are overweight or living with obesity in their weight loss journey, whether through lifestyle modifications alone or with the help of medication or surgical techniques.My role within the team is to support patients in these three approaches throughout the entire proposed program, aiming for comprehensive and sustainable care.This includes assessing their eating habits, implementing personalized nutritional follow-up adapted to their treatment, providing therapeutic education, and offering motivational support. I work closely with the multidisciplinary team (surgeons, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, internist, physician nutritionist, and psychologists) to offer a complete and situation-specific approach.To answer your question regarding the approach of nutritionists, it is important to clarify that the term “nutritionist” is not legally protected in Belgium.At the CIO, we are 4 dietitians and we also collaborate with a general practitioner who is a nutritionist. This is important to specify because the term “nutritionist” does not carry much meaning, as it is not protected in Belgium, unlike the title “dietitian.” The title of Dietitian is legally protected and defined by the Royal Decree of February 19, 1997. In addition, accreditation granted by the Federal Public Service for Public Health is mandatory to demonstrate that dietitians meet the required standards to practice (education, internships, continuing professional development, compliance with professional regulations) and to guarantee patients a professional, high-quality service.The physician nutritionist (or holder of the interuniversity certificate in clinical nutrition) has a complementary approach to that of dietitians.At the Integrated Obesity Center, the physician nutritionist mainly addresses the medical and metabolic aspects: making diagnoses and prescribing tests and medical treatments.As a dietitian, I specialize in daily nutritional and micronutritional support. The era of rigid meal plans is over! Our support is designed to be practical, personalized, and applicable to everyday life. This is even more relevant with the arrival of new drug treatments, which require regular monitoring of muscle mass, protein intake, and vitamin and mineral intake.Our goal is to support all patients engaged in weight loss over the long term, help them gradually modify their eating behaviors through concrete and realistic objectives, limit the risk of nutritional deficiencies, overcome barriers, and build a more peaceful relationship with food.How do you adapt dietary advice to different patient profiles?Each patient is unique, which is why adaptation is central to our work. Our patients follow different care pathways and may benefit from medication, an intragastric balloon, or surgery to support weight loss. Management is progressively tailored on a case-by-case basis, including possible texture adaptations, adjustments in portion sizes, and advice to relieve treatment side effects.To personalize care, I consider age, sex, family and social context, eating habits and preferences, level of physical activity, and any associated medical conditions.For adults followed at the CIO, support focuses on daily organization (meal timing, help with menu planning, portion sizes, incorporating moments of physical activity), managing meals at work, understanding hunger and satiety signals, and ensuring long-term sustainability of changes.Advice may also vary according to sex, particularly to account for hormonal differences, life stages such as menopause, and specific individual issues.For patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or metabolic disorders, I work closely with the medical team to provide targeted, safe, and personalized nutritional recommendations.The objective always remains the same: within the framework of a chronic disease, where the risk of relapse is real regardless of the treatment implemented, to propose adapted, realistic nutrition compatible with daily life in order to promote sustainable changes and improve quality of life.What are the most common dietary obstacles you observe among your patients and how do you help them overcome them?Obesity is recognized as a multifactorial disease linked to overall lifestyle. Dietary obstacles are often multiple and intertwined.On an emotional level, many patients exhibit eating behaviors influenced by stress, fatigue, anxiety, or negative emotions. Collaboration with psychologists is essential here. Our role is to help patients better identify their emotional triggers, for example through a food diary, and to develop alternative strategies.On a social level, professional constraints, irregular schedules, meals eaten on the go, lack of time to cook, and social pressure play a significant role. I support patients by working with them to find practical, realistic solutions adapted to their lifestyle to facilitate daily meal organization.Economic factors are also decisive. Some patients have limited food budgets, which may hinder access to food perceived as healthier. I analyze with them the products they commonly purchase and the stores they frequent to identify healthier yet equally affordable alternatives. I also adapt menus and meal preparation techniques accordingly.Regarding differences between men and women, women seem more often confronted with mental load, emotional management, and guilt related to food, whereas men more frequently face barriers related to large portions, alcohol consumption, or eating out. Due to family organization, many women also appear to have more difficulty establishing regular physical activity.These are, of course, general trends, and each situation remains unique. In all cases, the support aims to identify and gradually overcome these obstacles through a compassionate approach, building concrete, personalized, and sustainable solutions with each patient.Why is weight stabilization often more difficult than initial weight loss?We must never forget that obesity is a chronic disease of adipose tissue. Losing weight is often easier than maintaining it, because the body naturally resists weight loss and seeks to return to its initial balance. This applies to all treatments: lifestyle changes, intragastric balloon placement, medication, and surgery.Stabilization therefore requires long-term support and continuous adaptation. Above all, what matters is preventing health problems related to excess weight, even if many patients will have to grieve the idea of their ideal weight.What misconceptions about nutrition and obesity would you like to dispel among the general public?One only has to read the many malicious comments on social media: obesity is still perceived as a weakness, a lack of willpower. With the arrival of new drug treatments for obesity, I have the impression that this hostility is increasing: people are made to feel guilty, led to believe they are “stealing” medication from diabetics, or that they are seeking an easy solution.In reality, obesity is a chronic, complex, and multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, hormonal, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Reducing it to a statement such as “you just need to move more and eat less” is not only degrading but also medically incorrect.Another misconception is that following a strict diet, receiving injectable treatments, or undergoing surgery would be enough to solve the problem permanently. Since it is a chronic disease, one never truly recovers from it, and any weight loss induced by restrictive techniques will lead to yo-yo effects, frustration, guilt, and, in the long term, weight regain.For this reason, we always prioritize establishing the most balanced and sustainable daily eating habits possible, even if the theoretical ideal weight is not reached. The primary goal is to achieve an overall improvement in health, well-being, and quality of life. Contactez le Centre Intégré de l'Obésité Also read: Treating Obesity in 2026Professor Jean-Charles Preiser, from the Department of Internal Medicine and expert within the team of the Integrated Obesity Centre at H.U.B, explains the new approaches to managing this chronic disease. Read more Ingrid Hantson Dietitian accredited by the Federal Public Service for Public Health at the Integrated Obesity Center of H.U.B.