OBESITY AS A RISK FACTOR FOR THE PROGRESSION OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the relationship between obesity and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Brazil, highlighting its impact on morbidity and mortality and the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies. This is a cross-sectional, observational, and ecological study on hospital morbidity and mortality due to diabetes and obesity between 2019 and 2023, using secondary data from DATASUS, obtained from SIH/SUS and SIM, as well as information from Vigitel and IBGE. Vigitel 2023 revealed a significant increase in obesity and overweight among Brazilian adults, with the prevalence of obesity rising from 11.8% in 2006 to 24.3% in 2023. Between 2019 and 2023, 45,811 hospitalizations due to obesity were recorded, mainly concentrated in the Southeast and South regions, along with 18,841 deaths associated with the condition, predominantly in the Southeast and among women. Diabetes accounted for 664,651 cases during the period and 366,896 deaths, also showing greater concentration in the Southeast and among women. The results reinforce that addressing obesity and T2DM requires, in addition to clinical treatment, public policies, preventive actions, health education, and the promotion of healthy habits, while also considering the impact of physical inactivity and social inequalities on these conditions and their repercussions on the collective health of the Brazilian population.