Obesity is still far less common in Brazil than in the US, where 35 per cent of women and 33 per cent of men are considered obese. But while obesity in Brazilian women had appeared to stabilize in recent years, it appears to be on the rise again, Ms Malta said. --PHOTO: REUTERS
RIO DE JANEIRO - THE girl from Ipanema is putting on a few pounds.
Some 13.6 per cent of Brazilian women are obese, and 12.4 per cent of men - a combined 1.6 per cent increase from the last survey in 2006, a Health Ministry study announced on Tuesday.
In 1975, just 7.8 per cent of Brazilian women and 2.8 per cent of men were obese.
An additional 43.3 per cent of Brazilians are now considered overweight, the study found.
The Health Ministry blames increased alcohol consumption, among other factors, saying people eat excessively when they drink.
'It's very worrying,' said Deborah Malta, a researcher at the ministry who helped run the study.
About 19 per cent of Brazilians consume alcohol excessively, downing four or more drinks in one sitting for women and five or more for men. About 17.3 per cent did so in 2006.
Obesity is still far less common in Brazil than in the US, where 35 per cent of women and 33 per cent of men are considered obese. But while obesity in Brazilian women had appeared to stabilize in recent years, it appears to be on the rise again, Ms Malta said.
Obesity is defined by height-weight ratio. A person who is 1.6 metres and weighs 79 kilograms would be considered obese. -- AP
