Obesity in Brazil linked to increased digestive diseases

Obesity affects approximately 60.3% of adults in Brazil, totaling about 96 million people, with obesity specifically impacting 25.9% of the population. According to data from the National Health Survey and the Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome, the prevalence of obesity in the country rose from 11.8% in 2006 to 20.3% in 2019.

Medical specialists from the Instituto Cambiare note that excess weight directly interferes with the digestive system. This condition is linked to a higher frequency of acid reflux, gastritis, gallbladder stones, and fatty liver disease (steatosis). Furthermore, reflux affects an estimated 25.2 million Brazilians, while nearly half the population reports symptoms of indigestion.