Experts highlight that the treatment of obesity in Brazil is hampered by inadequate diagnosis, lack of professional preparation, and insufficient medications within the SUS.
The difficulty in treating obesity in Brazil is entrenched in systemic issues related to the healthcare system (SUS), particularly concerning the lack of proper diagnosis, trained professionals, and necessary medications, according to insights from health specialists. They argue that these barriers significantly undermine efforts to address obesity as a public health challenge and stymie progress in reducing its prevalence across the nation.
The 2025 World Obesity Atlas suggests a critical situation, indicating that one in three Brazilians is obese, with projections showing this number may increase in the coming years. Alongside this, the study reveals that approximately 68% of the population is classified as overweight. Such alarming statistics underscore the urgency for more aggressive intervention strategies within the SUS, as the research highlights a stark contrast between the prevalence of obesity and the actual diagnoses made.
Recent findings from a Datafolha study further emphasize the inadequacy of diagnosis, revealing that almost 60% of Brazilians suffer from obesity or overweight conditions, yet only 16% have received a formal diagnosis. This scenario not only hampers the early stages of treatment but also points to broader issues of health education and resource allocation in the country’s healthcare system, as noted by Dr. Bruno Geloneze Neto from the University of Campinas. Unless these challenges are addressed, Brazil faces the likelihood of rising obesity rates that could create further strain on public health resources.
