The weight of obesity: a retrospective analysis of the direct costs of hospitalizations due to obesity between 2011 and 2020 for the unified health system in Brazil

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the evolution of obesity-related costs over the past 10 years for Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) and provide insights for guiding and expanding health management and promotion measures. Methods: An observational and retrospective study was conducted using secondary data from 2011 to 2020, extracted from DataSUS with the ICD-10 code for obesity. Statistical analysis was performed to assess trends in hospitalizations and costs related to obesity. Results: During the analyzed period, there was a substantial increase of 110% in hospitalizations and 167% in obesity-related costs for SUS. Female patients (86%) accounted for the majority of hospitalizations, while males (14%) had lower representation. Predominantly, white individuals (62%) were admitted, whereas indigenous individuals had the lowest representation (0,007%). The Southern region contributed to 46% of total cases, in contrast to the Northern region, which accounted for only 0,9%. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a significant rise in hospitalizations and associated costs related to obesity for Brazil's Unified Health System. These results underscore the urgency of implementing health promotion and prevention measures, both in the public and private sectors. There is a need for optimized allocation of human resources, including trained professionals for obesity treatment, to mitigate the burden of obesity-related morbidity and mortality and alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.