The number of overweight children in Brazil is three times the world average; Understand the reasons

The number of overweight children and teenagers in the country increased between 2019 and 2021, the period covering the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19. According to a study conducted by the Child Health Observatory (Observa Infância – Fiocruz/Unifase), there was a growth of 6.08% in the group of children up to 5 years of age. Among those aged 10 to 18 years, growth was 17.2%. Overweight includes both overweight and underweight obesity.

The study data are based on the Food and Nutrition Observation System (Sisvan-WEB), a tool for monitoring health and nutrition indicators. According to researchers, low physical exercise and poor nutrition are the main explanations for weight problems.

“Obesity in children and adolescents in Brazil remains a major public health concern. Although we have seen a decline in recent years, Brazil’s numbers are still above the global average and the Latin American average. “During the pandemic years, we have observed an increase in childhood obesity rates, possibly as a result of the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods during the period of isolation,” explains Cristiano Boccolini, a researcher at the Institute of Communications, Science and Technology. Information in Health (ICCT/Fiocruz) and Coordinator of Observa Infância.

Post-pandemic

The scenario begins to improve in the following period, between 2021 and 2022, but at high rates. The number of overweight children decreased by 9.5%, and the number of adolescents decreased by 4.8%. In 2022, the rate of overweight children up to the age of five is 14.2%. The percentage of adolescents was 31.2%.

It is the latter group that worries researchers at Observa Infância. Based on the analysis of historical series, there is a downward trend in the problem among children, especially after the period of isolation. But among teens, the decline only occurred between 2021 and 2022. In the long term, the trend is to gain excess weight.

Comparison with other countries shows that the situation in Brazil is more serious. Here, in 2022, the number of overweight children will be three times the global average (14.2% in Brazil and 5.6% on global average). For adolescents, the national rate is almost double the global average: 31.2% versus 18.2%.

“We believe that the high numbers of childhood obesity in Brazil are largely due to the lack of regulation of ultra-processed foods in the country. From October 2023, the new forward classification of processed foods will take full effect, indicating excess and saturated salt,” says Boccolini. “The fats and sugars on the front of the package. Children are highly exposed to these products and we believe the implementation of this policy will have some impact on obesity numbers from this year onwards.”

“This study serves as a call to action for public policies, health professionals, schools and families to redouble efforts in the fight against childhood obesity and ensure a healthier future for Brazilian children.” / With the Brazilian agency