Cases of Obesity on the Rise in Costa Rica ⋆ The Costa Rica News

According to data from the Health Statistics Department of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), in 2016 there were 400 people registered as obese; by 2025, that number had risen to 753.

In the case of the male population, the number rose from 84 men in 2016 to 242 in 2025. Among women, the increase is also considerable, rising from 316 in 2016 to 511 in 2025.

Obesity is a global problem that negatively affects both the mental and physical health of those who suffer from it. For this reason, World Obesity Day is commemorated every March 4, with the aim of raising awareness and strengthening prevention.

This condition affects not only adults but also children. In the case of minors, according to information provided by the National Children’s Hospital, 30% of the child population is overweight.

According to pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Erick Richmond Padilla, this disease can trigger other conditions, such as respiratory problems, orthopedic abnormalities, and metabolic disorders, including diabetes.

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, generally harmful to health, caused by an energy imbalance (more calories consumed than expended). It is often diagnosed with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more and is a major risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.

To prevent obesity, specialists emphasize two fundamental habits: healthy eating and daily physical activity.

Currently, “excessive screen use is making people increasingly sedentary, and low water intake is another major problem,” said Dr. Richmond.

It is no coincidence that in the last 25 years, according to estimates by the National Chamber of Transportation (Canatrans), 85% of the Costa Rican population used buses in 2000, while by 2025, that figure had fallen to 45%.

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