Brazil expands SUS obesity treatment and bariatric surgery support

Public health initiatives in Brazil are expanding support for obesity treatment through the Unified Health System (SUS). In the state of Pará, the ‘Obesidade Zero’ program offers free bariatric surgery at the Hospital Jean Bitar in Belém. Since 2020, the program has performed approximately 2,500 procedures. Access requires an online registration followed by clinical screening, medical evaluations, and multidisciplinary monitoring involving nutritionists and psychologists to ensure patient readiness.

In Maceió, Alagoas, the Municipal Health Secretariat has launched a nutritional assistance program to support post-operative bariatric patients. Provided through the Osvaldo Brandão Vilela Basic Health Unit, this initiative aims to prevent the remission of obesity by offering long-term nutritional guidance, psychological support, and physical activity. Unlike previous models limited to university hospitals, this municipal service allows for indefinite follow-up to ensure the continuity of treatment.