Overweight among Brazilians jumped 20 percentage points in 18 years. In 2024, 62.6% of the population was overweight, compared to 42.6% in 2006. Obesity (body mass index equal to or greater than 30 kg/m²) doubled, rising from 11.8% to 25.7% of the population.
The data was released this week by the Ministry of Health and comes from a telephone survey conducted in all state capitals plus the Federal District.
Physical activity in daily commuting fell from 17% in 2009 to 11.3% in 2024 due to greater use of ride-hailing apps and public transportation. Moderate physical activity in leisure, at least 150 minutes per week, however, increased from 30.3% in 2009 to 42.3% in 2024.
Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (five days a week or more) remained relatively stable, varying from 33% in 2008 to 31.4% in 2024.
Consumption of soft drinks and artificial juices (five days a week or more) fell from 30.9% in 2007 to 16.2% in 2024.
Health Minister Alexandre Padilha believes that positive advances, such as the reduction in soft drink consumption and the increase in physical activity, were not enough to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
“As Brazil’s population ages, more people are developing chronic diseases. That’s why we need more care and prevention policies,” he highlighted.
Insomnia
For the first time, the survey analyzed the sleep patterns of the Brazilian population – 20.2% of adults in the capitals reported sleeping less than six hours per night, and 31.7% of adults present at least one symptom of insomnia, with higher prevalence among women (36.2%) than men (26.2%).
According to Padilha, these data show that sleep has been insufficient and interrupted throughout the night.
“This is concerning because poor sleep quality is directly related to weight gain, obesity, worsening of chronic diseases, and mental health problems. These national data are remarkable, and we will ask primary care teams to inquire about sleep,” he said.
Government Initiative
In a ceremony in Rio’s South Zone, Minister Padilha launched the Viva Mais Brasil initiative (“Live More Brazil”), a national campaign to promote health, prevent chronic diseases, and improve the quality of life of Brazilians.
According to the ministry, R$ 340 million will be invested in policies to promote physical exercise.
The new strategy articulates and strengthens existing policies of Brazil’s national health care network, the SUS, with measures focused on healthy nutrition, physical activity, comprehensive care, and access to quality information.
The plan seeks to encourage and support Brazilians in adopting healthy lifestyles, with actions in SUS units as well as in the private sector, expanding the reach of health promotion policies.
The campaign includes ten commitments to live longer and better:
• more exercise and active lifestyle;
• healthier eating habits;
• less tobacco and alcohol consumption;
• better health in schools;
• fewer chronic diseases;
• more vaccination across Brazil;
• more autonomy and empowerment;
• better digital health services;
• a culture of peace and less violence;
• and more complementary practices.
Source: brasil247.com