Brazilian government proposals for actions to prevent and control overweight and obesity from a local perspective

Abstract:

The article analyzes actions in the prevention and control of overweight and obesity that have been developed in the 92 municipalities (counties) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, based on underlying principles in the typology of public policies developed by Lowi and Line of Care for Overweight and Obesity, according to the following analytical dimensions: program actions in prevention and control of obesity, characterization of macro policies according to the Lowi typology, and characterization of macro policies according to the Line of Care for Overweight and Obesity. The study is part of a research project from 2014 to 2018 that aimed to identify the strategies and challenges in the consolidation of the actions planned in the Line of Care for Overweight and Obesity, based on analysis of secondary data and government documents; searches in the municipalities’ official websites; interviews; focus groups; and online questionnaires with health professionals and managers. The documents point to a series of actions such as individual consultations, support groups, health gyms, school health programs, and others, reinforced by the interviewees’ narratives. Even with so many initiatives, the municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro face challenges with limited human resources and precarious infrastructure and equipment in the health units. To achieve mobilization in the actions to deal with obesity, the issue should be addressed specifically on the state and local agendas and not diluted among other activities and programs.

Keywords:
Obesity; Public Policy; Primary Health Care