The initiative aims to establish guidelines for prevention, early diagnosis, comprehensive management and monitoring.
Overweight. Illustration image.
In the Seventh Commission of the House of Representatives, The public hearing was held where experts announced the importance of recognizing obesity and overweight as a public health disease.
This meeting was held after the Representative to the Chamber by Antioquia Juan Camilo Londoño (Green Party) It will lie, together with Senator Carlos Julio González Villa, the bill that proposes to recognize obesity and overweight as chronic diseases.
The initiative aims to establish guidelines for prevention, early diagnosis, comprehensive management and monitoring, in order to strengthen public health policy.
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More than 57% of Colombians live with excess weight, A situation that demands a change of approach. Obesity is not just a matter of individual habits, it is a chronic disease that requires comprehensive care. The cost of inaction is too high, ”he warned.
The project also highlights the joint work with Open Colombia, Organization that promotes investment in health and the construction of a healthier future for the country.
According to World Obesity Atlas figures, 64% of adults in Colombia would live with excess weight in 2025.
The National Nutritional Health Survey had already reported a prevalence of 37.7% overweight and 18.7% in obesity in the adult population between 18 and 64 years.
Globally, overweight and obesity cause around of 5 million deaths a year and it is estimated that its economic cost will exceed 4 billion dollars in 2035, by adding medical expenses, loss of productivity and premature mortality.
“In Colombia, a study by CES University (2024) revealed that 9 out of 10 workers of working age have overweight or obesity, which directly impacts productivity,” he said.
He insisted that he will continue to drive sport, recreation and Physical activity as fundamental pillars to face this problem.
“Public policies urgent that recognize obesity and overweight as multifactorial chronic diseases, which must be addressed from an integral perspective,” he said.
With this initiative, Colombia advances in the discussion about the need to face overweight and obesity as a structural problem of public health and not only as a consequence of individual habits.
“Project approval could mark a precedent in the continent in matters of comprehensive care and prevention, ”he said.
Source: Integrated information system
