Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases: A Growing Crisis in Mexico

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) have become the one of leading causes of death among Mexicans, mirroring a global trend where these conditions are responsible for 41 million deaths each year, according to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).  In Mexico, the increasing prevalence of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity highlights the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies.

Recent data show alarming trends in the prevalence of NCDs among Mexican adults. From 2018 to 2022, the percentage of adults with hypertension surged from 34.10% to 47.80%. This condition significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, as reported by Mexico’s Ministry of Health (SSA).

Similarly, the prevalence of diabetes has seen a notable increase. In 2018, 14.40% of Mexican adults were diagnosed with diabetes. By 2022, this figure had risen to 18.30%. “In Mexico, diabetes is considered a health crisis, and its prevalence is increasing especially after COVID-19,” says  Karla Alcazar, President and General Manager, Eli Lilly Latin America, to MBN.

While diabetes detection rates have improved over the years, the growing number of cases underscores the critical need for enhanced prevention and management efforts, as reported by the INSP.

Meanwhile, obesity, a major risk factor for both hypertension and diabetes, also remains a significant public health issue. The percentage of obese adults in Mexico increased slightly from 35.30% in 2018 to 36.90% in 2022. Despite this marginal increase, obesity continues to be a pervasive problem that requires ongoing attention and intervention. “The health and life quality implications of eating too many calories are manyfold, starting with obesity, and its strong correlation to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes,” writes Eduardo Orozco, CEO, alohome, on MBN.

In addition to diminishing the quality of life of patients, these conditions make individuals more vulnerable to health threats, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. ”During the pandemic, people affected by NCDs represented one of the highest risk population groups for morbidity and mortality,” explains David Kersenobich, Mexico’s incoming Minister of Health, on MBN.

To address the threat posed by NCDs, it is important to direct efforts toward prevention and well-being, says Natalia Díaz, Head of Medical Education, NutriADN. Nonetheless, there remains a considerable journey ahead, as preventive care is not universally embraced in Mexico, with individuals often eschewing regular check-ups or annual clinic visits, opting instead to address health concerns only once they have escalated significantly. 

However, prevention is expected to remain at the forefront of the political agenda. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s  plans include actions to improve healthcare accessibility in the country by advocating for preventive medicine and expanding healthcare services to address complex medical needs, as reported by MBN.