Obesity surges among Brazilian children, adolescents during pandemic
The prevalence of overweight children and adolescents in Brazil witnessed a surge between 2019 and 2021, encompassing the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As per a study conducted by Observa Infância—Childhood Health Observatory of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), there was a 6.08 percent rise in the group of children up to 5 years old. Among those aged 10 to 18, the increase was more pronounced at 17.2 percent. The term "overweight" encompasses both overweight and obese cases. A decline in physical activity and a suboptimal diet stand out as the primary contributors to weight-related issues.
"Despite observing a decline in recent years, Brazil still reports figures above the global and Latin American average. During the pandemic years, we noted a rise in childhood obesity rates, likely attributable to increased consumption of ultra-processed foods during the isolation period," elucidates Cristiano Boccolini, a researcher at Fiocruz's Institute for Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, and coordinator of Observa Infância.
Post-pandemic period
The outlook begins to show signs of improvement in the subsequent period, from 2021 to 2022, though the percentages remain high. Overweight children decreased by 9.5 percent, and adolescents saw a 4.8 percent reduction. In 2022, the overweight rate for children under five was 14.2 percent, while for adolescents, it stood at 31.2 percent.
A historical analysis indicates a downward trend among children, especially after the isolation period. However, for adolescents, the decline occurred only between 2021 and 2022. In the long term, the trend suggests an increase in excess weight.
In comparison with other countries, Brazil's situation appears more critical. In 2022, there were three times more overweight children in Brazil than the global average (14.2% in Brazil and 5.6% globally). Concerning adolescents, the national average in the same year was almost double the global average: 31.2 percent compared to 18.2 percent.
"We attribute the high childhood obesity figures in Brazil largely to the lack of regulation of ultra-processed foods in the country. In October 2023, the full implementation of new labeling on the front of processed food packages, indicating excess salt, saturated fats, and sugars, took effect. Children are particularly susceptible to these products, and we anticipate that the implementation of this policy will impact obesity figures from this year onward," notes Boccolini.
