Obesity is a chronic condition that goes beyond body weight, affecting various systems of the body. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2025, it is projected that 31% of the Brazilian adult population is obese this year, with a growth trend in the coming years.

Also according to the study, the advance of obesity in Brazil has been constant and alarming. In just over two decades, the rate of adults with obesity more than doubled, jumping from just over 12% in 2003 to almost 27% in 2019, while projections for 2025 indicate that about one third of the adult population already lives with the disease.

And the future worries even more: the 2025 Obesity World Atlas points out that by 2030 it is estimated that obesity will grow about 33% among men and more than 46% among women. If no effective action is taken, almost half of Brazilian adults may be obese by 2044, a picture that compromises not only the quality of life of the population, but also overloads the country’s health system.

“We are facing a silent epidemic. These numbers go beyond statistics and reflect millions of Brazilians who already live with physical limitations, pain, chronic diseases and emotional impacts arising from obesity,” warns the nutritionist Dr. Bruna Durelli, an obesity specialist and founder of the Levser Health Clinic.

Pay attention to signs Obesity in Health

Although obesity It does not always have obvious symptoms, the body usually emit important signals when something is not going well. According to Dr. Bruna Durelli, recognizing them early can be decisive to avoid complications and start proper treatment.

Below, the doctor lists seven common manifestations that indicate that overweight is already impacting health significantly:

1. Constant fatigue in simple activities

Overweight can directly impact the ability to perform simple daily activities, even if the individual does not notice. “When the patient begins to feel exaggerated tiredness when climbing stairs, walking short distances or performing everyday tasks, this is often confused with sedentary lifestyle. But in fact, it is a sign that the cardiorespiratory system is already overwhelmed by overweight. The heart and lungs need to work harder, and this generates early wear,” explains the nutrition.

2. Intense snorings and fragmented sleep

According to Dr. Bruna Durelli, this is a frequent nuisance among overweight people. “THE Sleep Apnea It is one of the most common consequences of obesity, but little recognized. Fat accumulation in the cervical and abdominal region directly interferes with the night breath. Many patients snore high, wake up several times without realizing it or have drowsiness throughout the day – symptoms that should not be ignored, ”he says.

3. Abdominal fat gain

More than an aesthetic issue, abdominal fat represents an important health alert sign. “Visceral obesity, characterized by fat accumulation in the abdomen region, is directly associated with cardiovascular risks, systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. High abdominal circumference is today one of the main predictors for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension,” says the nutrition.

4. Irregular menstrual cycles and infertility

Obesity in women, in addition to affecting daily tasks, can also compromise hormonal function. “In the case of women, excess adipose tissue causes hormonal imbalances important. This can manifest itself in menstrual irregularity, polycystic ovary syndrome and difficulty getting pregnant. It is a gynecological issue, but it begins with a metabolic disorder, ”he points out.

5. Joint pain

The impact of obesity goes beyond tiredness and lack of breath – it also compromises joint health. “The joints are directly impacted by overweight. Knees, ankles and spine need to sustain a load above ideal, which accelerates degenerative processes such as arthrosis and disc hernias. Pain is an early warning that the body is overload,” explains the doctor.

Although physical health is often prominent when it comes to obesity, mental health also deserves special attention. “The impact of obesity on mental health is still underestimated. Many patients develop anxiety, depression and avoid social life for shame of their own image or experiences of prejudice. This emotional suffering, if ignored, can further aggravate the clinical picture and make it difficult to adhere to treatment, ”says Dr. Bruna Durelli.

7. slow healing and greater propensity to infections

According to the doctor, the effects of excess body fat can compromise skin health. “Excess adipose tissue interferes with microcirculation and inflammatory response of the body. This means that even small wounds may take longer to heal, increasing the risk of skin infections and complications after surgical procedures,” says the nutrition.

Dr. Bruna Durelli reinforces that obesity needs to be treated seriously, going far beyond an aesthetic issue. “If we continue to ignore the signs that the body gives us and treating overweight only as an aesthetic issue, we will continue to expand this abyss between ideal care and the reality of public health in the country,” he warns.

By Maria Fernanda Benedet