With 28.5% of Brazilian teenagers now estimated to have excess weight, specialists say prevention must go beyond calorie counting and focus on family habits, mental health and early support.
A growing body of evidence suggests that excess weight in adolescence is now a significant public health issue in Brazil, but specialists warn that the response should not be reduced to calorie counting or pressure to slim down. A recent review found that 28.5% of Brazilian teenagers have excess weight and 8.5% are living with obesity, underscoring how early the problem can begin and how important prevention has become. International data from the World Obesity Federation shows the challenge extends well beyond Brazil: worldwide, more than one in five children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 are now estimated to be living with overweight or obesity.
For Elson Paulozzi Nunes, a cardiologist and nutrólogo, adolescent obesity is complex and shaped by many forces at once. He points to the modern food environment, with constant access to ultra-processed, highly palatable and calorie-dense products, alongside advertising, social media and convenience, all of which make unhealthy choices easier. Nunes also says hormone changes can play a role, although they are rarely the primary cause, while genetics can help explain why young people in similar circumstances respond differently. The University of Campinas has separately noted that about 7 million Brazilian children and adolescents are affected by obesity, with sedentary habits and rising screen time among the factors contributing to the trend.
The health consequences can appear long before adulthood. Nunes says teenagers with excess weight may develop insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, abnormal cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and orthopaedic problems. But the picture is not only medical. Anxiety, depression, bullying, social withdrawal and distress about body image can all accompany weight gain, and these issues may not show up in laboratory results. He argues that doctors and families should monitor growth curves and body mass index over time, rather than waiting for symptoms to become obvious, because the scale should be treated as one measure among many, not the end point of care.
The way families talk about weight can either help or harm. Claudia Alaminos, who wrote “Manual de sobrevivência para pais de adolescentes”, says conversations should move beyond appearance and focus instead on sleep, energy, food habits and physical activity. She warns that jokes, comparisons, nicknames and remarks about how much a teenager is eating can deepen body dissatisfaction and encourage unhealthy eating patterns, even when made with good intentions. Nunes adds that prevention works better when the household changes the environment, rather than placing all the responsibility on the adolescent alone.
Experts also caution against extreme diets, especially during a period of rapid growth and brain, bone, muscle and hormone development. Nunes says heavy restriction can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, a poorer relationship with food and a higher risk of binge eating and eating disorders. Alaminos says professional help should be sought when a teenager begins skipping meals with others, restricting food more and more, showing intense fear of gaining weight, avoiding activities because of body shame, losing weight quickly or experiencing dizziness or fainting. In other words, early support matters, and families do not need to wait for a crisis before acting.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
