By Rico
Copyright qcostarica
Q COSTARICA — 70% of adults in Costa Rica are overweight, and among them, 34% are classified as obese, based on data from the Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, over 375,000 people aged 20 to 79 live with diabetes, which accounts for 9.8% of that age group, according to the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas.
These health issues have quietly become major threats to heart health, raising the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious problems.
A Worrying Outlook
The high rate of overweight adults in Costa Rica can be traced to a mix of lifestyle and dietary changes over recent decades.
As the country has modernized, many people have shifted away from traditional, more active ways of living to more sedentary routines. This means less physical activity in daily life, whether at work or home.
At the same time, diets have moved toward processed and convenience foods that are higher in calories, sugars, and unhealthy fats, while consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has declined.
Additionally, urbanization has made fast food more accessible and affordable, further pushing people toward unhealthy eating habits. Economic growth has also played a role by increasing disposable income, which often translates into more eating out and indulgence in calorie-dense foods.
Read more: Worrying increase in obesity in Costa Rica
All these factors combined create an environment where maintaining a healthy weight becomes a real challenge for many Costa Ricans.
