Determinants of obesity in Latin America

Author(s)

Ferreira, Sandra Roberta G. ; Macotela, Yazmin ; Velloso, Licio A. ; Mori, Marcelo A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NATURE METABOLISM; v. 6, n. 3, p. 24-pg., 2024-03-04.

Abstract

Obesity rates are increasing almost everywhere in the world, although the pace and timing for this increase differ when populations from developed and developing countries are compared. The sharp and more recent increase in obesity rates in many Latin American countries is an example of that and results from regional characteristics that emerge from interactions between multiple factors. Aware of the complexity of enumerating these factors, we highlight eight main determinants (the physical environment, food exposure, economic and political interest, social inequity, limited access to scientific knowledge, culture, contextual behaviour and genetics) and discuss how they impact obesity rates in Latin American countries. We propose that initiatives aimed at understanding obesity and hampering obesity growth in Latin America should involve multidisciplinary, global approaches that consider these determinants to build more effective public policy and strategies, accounting for regional differences and disease complexity at the individual and systemic levels. The authors present a holistic view of factors that drive the increasing burden of obesity in Latin America. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/08354-2 - The interplay between the immune system and metabolism as a key determinant of the aging process
• Grantee: Marcelo Alves da Silva Mori
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07607-8 - OCRC - Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center
• Grantee: Licio Augusto Velloso
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC