OBESITY AND GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSIVE SYNDROMES IN BRAZIL: INEQUALITIES AND IMPACTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH – A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to map scientific evidence regarding the relationship between gestational obesity and hypertensive complications in Brazil, identifying risks and public health impacts. Methodologically, a scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR protocol, with searches operationalized across five databases  between 2014 and 2024. After screening, 15 eligible Brazilian studies were selected. The results indicate that obesity increases the likelihood of developing preeclampsia by up to 2.8 times, being directly associated with high rates of cesarean sections, prematurity, and neonatal ICU admissions. A concentration of research was identified in the Southeast and South regions, highlighting structural regional and social inequalities marked by race and class. In conclusion, maternal excess weight constitutes an independent risk factor that demands urgent integration between nutritional management and obstetric care within the Unified Health System (SUS). Standardized protocols and investments in longitudinal studies in underrepresented regions are required to mitigate inequities and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in the national scenario, aligning with Rede Alyne policies.