Food Acquisition in the Geography of Brazilian Obesity

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are a worldwide pandemic with geographic differences. Possible explanations include variable access to food and its quality, dietary habits of the populations, behavioral patterns, and characteristics of the food markets. This study aimed to examine the acquisition of food in the different regions of Brazil and to relate it with the geography of Brazilian obesity. We used data provided by a Brazilian official organ, which gathers periodic data on the household food acquisition. Descriptive statistics and multidimensional scaling techniques were used to ascertain the similarity of food acquisition among populations in the Brazilian states. High levels of overweight and obesity occur in all states (>44%), especially in the southern half of the country (>54%). We found differences in the food acquisition patterns throughout the country. Furthermore, we identify that states with similar dietary patterns have similar population levels of overweight and obesity, demonstrating a possible relationship between the food supply models and these food insecurity manifestations as expressed in the individual health. However, the occurrence of regional singularities suggests that the food supply model constitutes only one of the multiple variables that compete for diversity in the Brazilian regional distribution of obesity and overweight. We found that socioeconomic conditions influence nutritional misalignment in the geography of Brazil. Our results show that overweight and obesity have a higher occurrence in middle age (35-79 years), and it is more present in females. Moreover, women with lower education and lower incomes have higher levels of overweight and obesity, an association of unhealthy food intake with poverty. In men, obesity is more frequent in those with more schooling and higher incomes. Based on the widely variable geographical characteristics of the distant states of Brazil, we conclude that overweight and obesity go beyond an individual lifestyle and access to quality food, and is more related to a complex framing of factors, like schooling, age, sex, income, feeding patterns, food markets, and anthropological circumstances.

Excesso de peso e fatores associados entre adultos de uma comunidade rural do Pantanal Sul-mato-grossense

“…Likewise physical activity, the eating habits of a population can partially justify excess weight 29 . Thus, understanding the diet characteristics can be an important instrument in public health care 29 .…”

“…Likewise physical activity, the eating habits of a population can partially justify excess weight 29 . Thus, understanding the diet characteristics can be an important instrument in public health care 29 . The lifestyle particularities of people living in the region of Passo do Lontra may impact the free time available for meals and even the number of meals eaten per day; many individuals spend all day outside their homes working in the river or in the Pantanal wetlands 13 .…”

“…It is also noteworthy that geographic and socioeconomic factors are connected with food insecurity since they influence the availability and choice of foods 29 . The distance of Passo do Lontra community from urban areas, where most foods are marketed in the region, is a major limiting factor for the acquisition of fruits, vegetables and other perishable foods, as well as the economic difficulties this population 13 , which makes families have monotonous and unhealthy dietary patterns.…”

Eating Competence among Brazilian Adults: A Comparison between before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A recent study showed that females, with lower education and incomes, have higher overweight and obesity levels in Brazil. There is an association between unhealthy food intake and poverty [ 37 ]. The ability to be a competent eater is affected by food insecurity and/or income restrictions, as having worries about money for food is associated with a lack of EC [ 38 , 39 ].…”

Chronic effect of bioresonance therapy on cardiovascular risk factors and physical activity pattern in the elderly: a randomized clinical trial

“…Changes in total cholesterol and fractions are strongly associated with acute myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease and stroke . Obesity is an independent risk factor and increases the risk of SAH, T2DM and dyslipidemia (ALVES et al, 2020). In addition, lean mass loss is related to reduced mobility and autonomy in activities of daily living (NERI et al, 2020).…”