# Lula healthcare and reelection discussions in Brazil > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lula-healthcare-and-reelection-discussions-in-brazil > Updated: 2026-09-26T11:00:05.000Z. Sources: 104. Developments: 4. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced that the Unified Health System (SUS) will provide GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, such as semaglutide, free of charge to patients with obesity. The initiative is designed to treat obesity based on clinical necessity rather than for ‘purely aesthetic purposes.’ To formalize this, the Ministry of Health requested that the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System (Conitec) evaluate semaglutide and liraglutide. While Conitec previously rejected the inclusion in August due to high financial impact, the Ministry argues the economic landscape has shifted. Officials noted that increased market competition has led to a 70% reduction in the price of these products over the last year, and that the active ingredients no longer have patent protection. The Ministry cited that obesity prevalence in Brazil rose from 11.8% in 2006 to 25.7% in 2024, arguing that long-term access could reduce mortality and lower overall healthcare costs. To manage the rollout, the Ministry has established strict clinical protocols. Access will require continuous medical supervision and will prioritize high-risk patients, including those with obesity-related heart disease, individuals awaiting bariatric surgery, and women undergoing post-breast cancer monitoring. As part of the implementation, a pilot study named ‘Real-Bari,’ led by the Grupo Hospitalar Conceição in Porto Alegre, is currently monitoring 250 patients with severe obesity. While the inclusion of these therapies is viewed as a step forward, medical specialists emphasize that obesity remains a neglected issue in primary care that requires long-term multidisciplinary strategies. ## Claims - The Ministry of Health filed a request with Conitec to analyze the incorporation of GLP-1 weight-loss medications into the SUS. (corroborated by 29 sources) - There are currently 25 weight-loss pens registered in Brazil. (corroborated by 28 sources) - The prevalence of obesity in Brazil increased from 11.8% in 2006 to 25.7% in 2024. (corroborated by 28 sources) - Competition has reduced the cost of weight-loss medications in Brazil by 70% in less than a year. (corroborated by 27 sources) - President Lula announced the free distribution of weight-loss medications through the Unified Health System (SUS). (corroborated by 25 sources) - The medication is intended for patients with obesity, specifically those awaiting bariatric surgery. (corroborated by 22 sources) - The Ministry of Health is conducting a study called Real-Bari with 250 patients to establish protocols for semaglutide use. (corroborated by 22 sources) - The proposal requests the evaluation of semaglutide or liraglutide, which are active ingredients without patent protection. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Lula criticized the excessive or indiscriminate prescription of weight-loss medications by doctors. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The distribution of weight-loss medications via SUS will require medical prescription and follow established clinical protocols. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The president emphasized that treatment should be accompanied by dietary changes and physical activity. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Brazil to provide semaglutide weight loss drugs via SUS Brazil is integrating semaglutide weight loss medications into the SUS, prioritizing high-risk patients and those with comorbidities to ensure responsible use rather than purely aesthetic purposes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-to-provide-semaglutide-weight-loss-drugs-via-sus ### 2026-09-24: Brazil Ministry of Health requests GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for SUS Brazil's Ministry of Health has asked Conitec to include GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as semaglutide, in the SUS public health system, citing rising obesity rates and lower drug costs. 61 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mercado-livre-updates-coupons-while-xmg-raises-notebook-prices ### 2026-09-19: Lula promises free weight-loss medication via SUS amid tight election President Lula da Silva announced that Brazil's SUS will provide free weight-loss medications for obesity patients amid a close election race against Flávio Bolsonaro. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lula-promises-free-weight-loss-medication-via-sus-amid-tight-election ### 2026-09-17: Brazil to provide weight-loss medications through SUS Brazil's government announced plans to provide weight-loss medications like semaglutide for free via the SUS, targeting severe obesity and patients awaiting bariatric surgery under strict clinical protocols. 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lula-announces-free-weight-loss-medication-via-sus --- Cite as: Lula healthcare and reelection discussions in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lula-healthcare-and-reelection-discussions-in-brazil