No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsHealthCosta Rica Declares Obesity a Chronic Disease

Costa Rica Declares Obesity a Chronic Disease

Obesity is acknowledged as a chronic disease related to public health in Costa Rica, according to the Ministry of Health. The decree signed by health authorities emphasizes that individuals with obesity will have access to comprehensive care and treatment as one of its main provisions. The text also suggests that this condition is associated with illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and depression.

María Bolaños, president of the Association of Nutrition Professionals, stated that the declaration is crucial for tackling obesity. She noted that obesity and being overweight have led to diseases like cancer, diabetes, kidney issues, and heart diseases in young individuals and even children, which was not previously observed.

The document says that it is the responsibility of the State, via its institutions, to safeguard the health of the population and ensure the welfare of its citizens. Consequently, it is essential to classify obesity as a disease so that individuals affected by it can access appropriate healthcare services.

Data from the World Health Organization indicates that obesity has reached pandemic levels, affecting approximately 20% of the adult population classified as obese.

In Costa Rica, within the preschool demographic (children under 5 years old), the rate of overweight stands at 7.4% and obesity at 2.3%. Among students aged 6 to 12 years, 20% are classified as overweight, while 14% are considered obese. Among adolescents, 30.9% are affected by overweight and obesity, whereas in the adult and elderly demographics, the rates of overweight stand at 39.5% and obesity at 31.2%.

The new regulations require that all healthcare facilities be equipped with amenities, furnishings, and tools that facilitate both patient mobility and comfort during their evaluation. They should also have the suitable staff for care (general physician or expert, dietitian, pharmacist, and mental health professional).

President Rodrigo Chaves and Vice President and Minister of Health, Mary Munive, signed the decree that took effect on Wednesday, January 8. The document contains three articles along with three transitional provisions that set deadlines and guidelines for the preparation of public, private, and mixed health facilities.

Trending Now

Fan Violence in Latin American Football Spurs Debate on Security and Culture

Images of a fan jumping from the stands to escape a beating as bottles, rocks and seats fly through the air at a game...

Panama Union Files Lawsuits Against Chiquita Over Mass Layoffs

Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, will meet in Brazil with U.S. banana company Chiquita Brands in search of an agreement for the company to...

Costa Rica Marks National Parks Day with Free Entry This Sunday

As everyone knows by now, our country stands out for its strong focus on protecting the environment. It leads in conservation efforts, manages its...

Costa Rica Drivers Face Yearlong Delays as Tárcoles Bridge Undergoes Repairs

Those who frequently use the South Coast Highway, near the Tárcoles river, will have to be more patient.  Repair works have started on the...

Major Cocaine Seizure in Costa Rica’s South Highlights Ongoing Cartel Fight

Costa Rican police pulled off a big win against drug traffickers this Sunday, seizing over a ton of cocaine hidden in a tourism minibus...

In Costa Rica, Rare White-Lipped Peccaries Still Survive

Today we meet the white-lipped peccary, a large animal that travels in large groups that has disappeared from a large part of its historical...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica