Primary and Secondary Prevention of Obesity in Mexico: Why Drug Treatments and Technology-Supported Care Must Work Alongside Earlier Strategies

Abstract

Obesity is a critical health issue in Mexico, driving cardiometabolic diseases and health expenditure. Despite efforts in primary prevention, obesity continues to be highly prevalent and persistent throughout the population.
This article seeks to explore the challenges of primary prevention in high-prevalence contexts, and the need to complement primary prevention with secondary prevention measures, such as pharmacological and technological interventions, to limit disease progression and its long-term burden.
Methods: The article presents a narrative policy analysis based on evidence from national surveys (ENSANUT), Global Burden of Disease (GBD) statistics and literature on obesity, socioeconomic factors and health-care interventions.
Findings: Primary prevention measures, while crucial, are not sufficient to quickly turn around the obesity epidemic in Mexico given the high prevalence and retention of obesity over time. Research suggests a significant number of people are obese in the long term, further raising the risk of diabetes, heart disease and renal disease.
Conclusion: Mexico needs an integrated approach that includes primary and secondary prevention strategies. The use of medical treatments and technology-supported care can help prevent complications, enhance quality of life, and reduce the economic burden.