Impact of Premature Mortality Attributable to Obesity on Years of Life Lost in Brazil
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Background
Obesity represents a substantial global health burden, and obesity-driven premature mortality remains a persistent public health challenge. Although the association between obesity and reduced lifespan is well-established, a precise quantification of the estimated years of life lost (YLL) directly attributable to obesity remains a notable gap in research.
Objective
To quantify the societal burden of obesity in Brazil by estimating YLL due to premature mortality between 2014 and 2023.
Methods
Life expectancy in Brazil is 76.4 years; thus, premature death was defined as occurring before age 60. This study employed a quantitative epidemiological approach to estimate YLL due to obesity in Brazil (2014–2023). Mortality data were obtained from the Mortality Information System, and demographic projections were sourced from IBGE. YLL was calculated by multiplying deaths by remaining life expectancy (using GBD 2021 reference tables), stratified by age and sex. Statistical analysis was performed using PSPP, and visualizations were generated using Python, with results presented as rates per 100,000 population.
Results
The total number of events exhibited an increasing trend over the decade, with a notable peak post-2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The age groups 50–59 and 60–69 consistently showed the highest event frequency, indicating greater prevalence among older populations. Sex-specific analysis revealed variations across age groups and years. While events were rare in younger age categories (1–14), a marked increase was observed from age 15–19 onward. Notably, in older age groups (40–69), females exhibited higher event rates than males, particularly in the 60–69 bracket, suggesting a sex-based disparity in obesity-related mortality.
Conclusion
This study highlights an increasing trend in premature mortality due to obesity in Brazil, disproportionately affecting older populations, particularly women. The observed age and sex disparities underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate obesity-related years of life lost.
