Adult body weight trends in 27 urban populations of Brazil from 2006 to 2016: A population-based study.

Renzo Flores-Ortiz,Gustavo Velasquez-Melendez,Deborah Carvalho Malta,Shahrad Taheri

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0213254

Renzo Flores-Ortiz, Gustavo Velasquez-Melendez + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213254

Copy DOI

Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Mar 6, 2019
Citations: 24	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aimed to estimate trends in population-level adult body weight indicators in the 26 state capitals and the Federal District of Brazil.MethodsSelf-reported weight and height data of 572,437 adults were used to estimate the mean body mass index (BMI), and the prevalence of BMI categories ranging from underweight to morbid obesity, in Brazil’s state capitals and Federal District, from 2006 to 2016, by sex. All estimates were standardized by age.ResultsFrom 2006 to 2016, the main findings showed that: (i) the overall mean BMI increased from 25.4 kg/m2 to 26.3 kg/m2 in men, and from 24.5 kg/m2 to 25.8 kg/m2 in women; (ii) the overall prevalence of overweight increased from 48.1% to 57.5% in men, and from 37.8% to 48.2% in women; (iii) the overall prevalence of obesity increased from 11.7% to 18.1% in men, and from 12.1% to 18.8% in women; (iv) in general, the largest increases in overweight and obesity prevalence were found in state capitals located in the north, northeast, and central-west regions of Brazil; (v) the prevalence of severe obesity surpassed the prevalence of underweight in 22 and 9 state capitals among men and women, respectively; and (vi) the mean BMI trend was stable only in Vitória state capital in men.ConclusionsThe policies for preventing and treating obesity in Brazil over the past years were not able to halt the increase in obesity prevalence either in the state capitals or the Federal District. Thus, a revision of policies is warranted. Furthermore, although policies are necessary in all state capitals, our results suggest that policies are especially necessary in the north, northeast, and central-west regions’ state capitals, where, in general, the largest increases in overweight and obesity prevalence were experienced.

Highlights

Body weight is an important health-related characteristic
The policies for preventing and treating obesity in Brazil over the past years were not able to halt the increase in obesity prevalence either in the state capitals or the Federal District
Policies are necessary in all state capitals, our results suggest that policies are especially necessary in the north, northeast, and central-west regions’ state capitals, where, in general, the largest increases in overweight and obesity prevalence were experienced

Summary

Introduction

Body weight is an important health-related characteristic. Overweight (levels of weight higher than what is considered healthy for a given height) can be a potential risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and osteoarthritis [1]. Underweight (levels of weight lower than what is considered healthy for a given height) can be a potential risk factor for NCDs such as dementia, osteoporosis, infertility, and iron-deficiency anemia [2]. Both overweight and underweight are associated with disabilities, premature death, and various types of cancers [1,2]. Despite overweight and obesity being the most worrisome weight status in the world today, it is important to highlight that underweight still remains a major public health problem in some low and middle income countries [2,4]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion