APPEAL OF NOTIFICATIONS OF SEVERE OBESITY IN ADOLESCENTS AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN CASCAVEL, PARANÁ: ECOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To assess the incidence of obesity in adolescents, in the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods. Methods: Study was conducted based on the collection of publicly available data in the Food and Nutritional Surveillance System (SISVAN), between the years 2012 and 2023, in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil. Results: In Brazil, the incidence of overweight and obesity in adolescents has been increasing since 2012. In the post-pandemic period, there is a 66% increase in obesity cases and a 109% increase in severe obesity. In the state of Paraná, both overweight, obesity, and severe obesity increased in the post-pandemic period (52%, 109%, and 207%, respectively). In the city of Cascavel, variations have been observed over the years, with a significant increase in severe obesity (227%) in the post-pandemic period. Conclusion: Social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic may affect lifestyle habits, leading to overweight/obesity.