Public health officials address rising obesity and chronic disease rates

Health authorities in Mexico and Paraguay are highlighting the rising challenges of obesity and chronic diseases. In Baja California, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) is promoting balanced nutrition to prevent conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Medical officials recommend increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins while reducing ultra-processed foods, sugars, and sodium.

In Paraguay, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare reported that 7 out of 10 adults are overweight. According to the 2023 National Survey on Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases, the prevalence of overweight stands at 36.9% and obesity at 32.4%. This trend aligns with regional data from the Pan American Health Organization, which notes that obesity in Latin America and the Caribbean has nearly doubled since 2000. The survey also indicated that 10.6% of the population is undergoing treatment for diabetes and 38.6% suffers from hypertension.