Obesity rates in Brazil have surged 118% since 2006, shifting clinical focus from rapid weight loss to long-term health management. As medical tools like GLP-1 agonists become more accessible, experts warn that sustained success requires addressing the psychological, social, and behavioral complexities of living with a chronic condition.
Rising Prevalence and the Shift in Treatment Goals
The landscape of obesity treatment in Brazil is currently undergoing a significant transformation. According to data from the Pesquisa Vigitel 2025, shared by the Brazilian Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (SBCBM), the prevalence of obesity among adults increased by 118% between 2006 and 2024. A separate assessment by the American College of Physicians, as reported by g1, indicates that 68% of Brazilian adults currently carry excess weight, with 31% classified as obese.
Beyond the Scale: Addressing Psychological and Social Barriers
Dr. Heidi Bezerra, a physician post-graduate in Endocrinology and Metabology, explains that the initial medical consultation must look far beyond the scale, evaluating factors such as sleep quality, hormonal balance, stress levels, and emotional health. Nem sempre o maior obstáculo está na alimentação. Já acompanhamos pacientes cuja principal dificuldade era um processo de luto, ansiedade, depressão, conflitos familiares ou uma rotina completamente desorganizada. Quando identificamos essas causas, o tratamento passa a fazer muito mais sentido,
said Dr. Bezerra.
Medical consensus now treats obesity as a chronic, recidivant condition rather than a temporary state. This perspective requires a shift in how patients view their own treatment. Dr. Bezerra highlights that while medication can be defined in minutes, the real challenge is cultivating long-term behavioral changes. O maior desafio é ajudar o paciente a recuperar a confiança em si mesmo, desenvolver novos hábitos e permanecer motivado durante todo o processo,
she noted.
This approach is echoed by other specialists who emphasize the risks of the “yo-yo effect.” Patients who rely on overly restrictive strategies often struggle to maintain their weight, which can worsen body composition by reducing muscle mass and increasing inflammatory fat.
“Para chegar ao peso almejado. Aí, voltam a engordar e vivem no conhecido efeito sanfona, que piora a composição corporal (a pessoa fica com menos músculos e mais gordura).”
Redefining Success in Long-Term Care
For many, the ultimate goal is not just a lower number on the scale, but the recovery of personal autonomy. As Camila Monteiro, a content creator who shared her experience of losing 55 kg, noted, the primary struggle is often not the initial weight loss, but the strategy used to maintain it. Experts suggest that the focus must move toward a broader project of health, encompassing mental well-being and the development of new habits.
For those currently undergoing treatment, medical professionals advise an individualized approach that prioritizes continuous monitoring. If you are considering or currently undergoing treatment for obesity, consult your healthcare provider to discuss a comprehensive care plan that addresses both your physical health and personal well-being.