Government’s Initiative Targets Overweight and Obesity Epidemic Affecting 75% of Adults
On Tuesday, the federal government unveiled the “3 x Mi Salud” program to combat what it described as a “silent epidemic” of overweight and obesity affecting more than 75% of adults in Mexico, along with a concerning number of children and adolescents.
Subsecretary Ramiro López Elizalde’s Warning
During the morning press conference on June 17, Subsecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion Ramiro López Elizalde warned that excess weight significantly increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions, necessitating immediate and sustained actions.
Program Components
- Addressing the “silent epidemic” of overweight and obesity
- Focusing on maintaining balanced metabolic health
- Regulating five key factors: waist measurement, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels
Two promotional materials were also introduced: one highlighting the harm of sugary drinks and another featuring comic book characters to promote healthy lifestyles among girls and boys.
Secretary David Kershenobich’s Emphasis
Secretary of Health David Kershenobich explained that the program’s focus is on maintaining balanced metabolic health, which involves regulating five crucial factors:
- Waist measurement
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Blood glucose levels
Kershenobich highlighted the serious consequences of excessive processed foods and abdominal fat, which can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic diseases. He emphasized the importance of daily habits such as exercise, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition, noting that these practices not only prevent diseases but also improve mood, increase energy, strengthen the immune system, and extend life with quality.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “3 x Mi Salud” program? It’s a Mexican government initiative to tackle the overweight and obesity epidemic affecting 75% of adults and a significant number of children and adolescents.
- What are the program’s main objectives? The program aims to maintain balanced metabolic health by regulating five key factors: waist measurement, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels.
- Why is this initiative important? Excess weight significantly increases the risk of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions, necessitating immediate and sustained actions.
- What daily habits does the program promote? The initiative emphasizes exercise, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition as essential practices for preventing diseases and improving overall well-being.
