Analysis of the Main Causal Agents of Obesity in the Context of Brazilian Public Health

Abstract

This study aims to map and analyze the main causes of obesity in Brazil, as well as the current situation of the Brazilian population regarding this condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is considered one of the leading Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases (NCDs) of our century and has shown a significant increase in cases. NCDs were responsible for 71% of the 57 million deaths worldwide in 2016 (WHO, 2018a, 2018b). In Brazil, these diseases accounted for 74% of total deaths in 2016, with highlights for cardiovascular diseases (28%), neoplasms (18%), respiratory diseases (6%), and diabetes (5%) (WHO, 2018c). Considering that obesity rates in Brazil have increased by 8.5% over the past thirteen years — rising from 11.8% of the population affected in 2006 to 20.3% in 2019 (VIGITEL 2006 and 2019) — mapping and analyzing the causes of this disease becomes even more urgent, with the aim of facilitating decision-making and implementing prevention and coping strategies. To this end, the present study conducted a literature review of scientific publications from the past 25 years. Genetic, behavioral, environmental, and social factors were considered, with emphasis on the imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, sleep patterns, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet. The findings reveal that obesity in Brazil is strongly associated with modern lifestyle patterns and unequal access to healthy food and physical activity. Understanding these factors is essential to support public policies and preventive strategies within the framework of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).