“Vigitel 2024 Results Show the Need for More Robust Policies to Discourage Use of Harmful Products”
ACT Promoção da Saúde reports:
“Heavy episodic alcohol use (four or more doses for women or five or more doses for men on the same occasion) rose in the Vigitel historical series, from 15.7% in 2006 to 20.4% in 2024. This increase was driven primarily by women, whose rate doubled, from 7.8% (2006) to 15.7% (2024). Among men, the variation was not significant, with the average remaining at a high level (25% in 2006 and 25.9% in 2024).
“The Vigitel results show that Brazil needs more effective policies to meet the targets of the DANT Plan 2021–2030, which aims to control chronic non-communicable diseases. Current trends in heavy episodic alcohol use, smoking, and recommended consumption of fruit and vegetables are all falling short of what is needed.”
Assessment
The Vigitel 2024 findings paint a clear picture: heavy episodic alcohol use in Brazil is growing, and the increase among women is particularly stark. A doubling of the rate over 18 years, from 7.8% to 15.7%, reflects what decades of research have documented: as alcohol industry actors expand marketing toward women, consumption patterns shift accordingly.
ACT’s analysis is direct: Brazil’s current policy settings are insufficient to meet the country’s own NCD reduction targets.
For alcohol policy advocates, this data strengthens the case for ambitious Selective Tax rates on alcohol and for comprehensive advertising bans – including beer, which currently does not need to abide by any marketing standards despite accounting for 90% of the Brazilian alcohol market.
As ACT itself notes, in line with the Ministry of Health and international evidence, there is no safe level of alcohol use.