ABSTRACT
This essay aims to analyze how the Unified Health System (SUS) has dealt with the increase in obesity with indication for bariatric surgery in Brazil, and to point out pathways to provide comprehensive health care for such population. There was a rescue of the political-historic moment of epistemological transformation of obesity and its repercussions for individuals, society, the health system, and other sectors; some attacks suffered by the SUS were exposed, especially the most recent ones, which affect the already difficult access to bariatric surgery; and it reflect on strategies that seek to guarantee care for that population and the sustainability of the health system. The documents produced by the Ministry of Health to guide obesity care stand out, given their consonance with the most current scientific evidence, and their use by other countries in the construction of their policies. Furthermore, it is reinforced the importance of sharing responsibilities among all the actors involved; the regulation of advertising aimed at the public with obesity; the mandatory increase in SUS funding; and the use of health evaluation of policies, services, and actions, so that the necessary adjustments are made in a timely manner and guarantee a better management of health care.
KEYWORDS
Obesity; Bariatric surgery; Delivery of health care; Unified Health System