Among adolescents, the national average is nearly double the global average; The situation is considered a serious public health problem
The number of overweight children and adolescents increased in the country between 2019 and 2021, a period spanning the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19. According to a survey by the Observatory on Child Health (Observa Infância – Fiocruz/Unifase), a growth of 6.08% was recorded in the group of children up to 5 years of age. Among those aged 10 to 18, growth was 17.2%. Overweight includes both overweight and underweight obesity.
The study data is based on the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (Sisvan-WEB), a tool that monitors health and nutrition indicators. According to researchers, reduced exercise and poor nutrition are the main explanations for weight problems.
“Childhood and adolescent obesity in Brazil still represents a serious public health problem. Although we have seen a decline in recent years, Brazil still has numbers above the global and Latin American averages. During the years of the pandemic we observed an increase in childhood obesity rates, perhaps as a consequence of the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods during the isolation period”, explains Cristiano Boccolini, researcher at the Institute of Communication and Scientific and Technological Sciences Information in Health (Icict/Fiocruz) and coordinator of Observa Infância.
Post-pandemic
The scenario begins to improve in the following period, between 2021 and 2022, but still with high percentages. The number of overweight children decreased by 9.5% and that of adolescents by 4.8%. In 2022, the rate of overweight children up to five years of age was 14.2%. That of adolescents was 31.2%.
This last group is the one that most worries Observa Infância researchers. From the analysis of historical series, a decreasing trend of the problem among children emerges, especially after the isolation period. Among adolescents, however, the decline only occurred between 2021 and 2022. In the long term, the trend is for excess weight to increase.
Comparison with other countries shows that the situation in Brazil is more critical. Here, in 2022, there are three times more overweight children than the global average (14.2% in Brazil and 5.6% on the global average). As for adolescents, the national average is almost double the global one: 31.2% versus 18.2%.
“We believe that the high number of childhood obesity cases in Brazil is largely due to the lack of regulation of ultra-processed foods in the country. From October 2023, the new front-end labeling of processed foods will come into full force, which will indicate “Excess salt, saturated fats and sugars on the front of the package. Children are very sensitive to these products and we believe that the implementation of this policy will have some impact on obesity numbers from this year onwards,” says Boccolini.
“This study serves as a call to public policies, health professionals, schools and families to redouble their efforts in the fight against childhood obesity, ensuring a healthier future for Brazil’s children.” / With Agência Brasil
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
