Consumo alimentar e gastos com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis no Brasil

Abstract

The relationship between an individual's or population's dietary choices and their health status is well established. This relationship can be evaluated through the type of food or food groups consumed. Over the past few decades, there has been a shift in the eating habits of the Brazilian population, largely due to socioeconomic and demographic factors. Women's participation in the labor market, food preparation time, and per capita income are some of the factors that directly impact dietary choices. These choices, in turn, affect the population's health expenditures, especially in the case of consuming unhealthy foods high in sugars and fats, which contribute to the rising number of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), particularly when associated with a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle.Against this background, the objective of this thesis is to analyze the relationship between the dietary habits of the Brazilian population and their health expenditures, especially concerning chronic diseases. To achieve this objective, data from the 2017- 2018 Family Budget Survey (POF) were used, along with the two-stage Heckman procedure. Key findings highlight significant associations between the consumption of processed foods, such as oils, fats, sugars, and fast food, and an increased probability of developing adverse health conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The analysis revealed that income is a determining factor, where individuals with higher incomes are at greater risk for health issues related to the consumption of unhealthy foods. Age also proved relevant, with younger age groups tending to have a lower probability of developing such conditions. Furthermore, the analysis of regional variables indicated that the Northeast region shows a stronger association with the increase in chronic diseases, reflecting specific socioeconomic challenges in the area. These findings underscore the importance of considering socioeconomic and demographic factors in the formulation of public health policies and nutritional interventions, aiming to promote healthier dietary choices and, consequently, minimize health expenditures related to chronic diseases.