Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo – In a comprehensive push to reshape local health services, Mayor Estefanía Mercado’s administration has unveiled a suite of preventive, nutritional, and community-based initiatives aimed at curbing obesity and chronic disease in Playa del Carmen.
At a press briefing, Municipal Secretary of Health José Antonio Uribe Trujillo revealed that recent assessments of more than 3,300 beneficiaries show 46.7 percent struggle with obesity. To address this, the city has launched targeted nutrition workshops, psychological support, and expanded public health education.
“Our priority is to treat health proactively—before illness appears,” Uribe Trujillo said. “From maternal wellness to senior care, we want prevention woven into daily life.”
“Nutrition for All” and Behavioral Interventions
Key among the measures is the “Nutrición para Todos” program, which spans from pregnancy to old age. It integrates:
- Lactation clubs and complementary feeding sessions
- School-based breakfast initiatives led by DIF Playa del Carmen
- Workshops on meal planning, traditional ingredients, and mobile cooking demonstrations
Early results show over 1,800 participants reporting improved eating habits and daily performance, underscoring the efficacy of combining nutritional guidance with community engagement.
“Reto 21” and National Campaigns
Building on local success, the “Reto 21: Somos Playa, Somos Salud” challenge has reduced perceived stress levels and fostered emotional well-being through group activities and one-on-one coaching. Simultaneously, the municipality joined the federal “3 x Mi Salud” campaign to:
- Promote active commuting
- Curb sugary drink consumption
- Deploy digital tools for habit reinforcement
These aligned efforts aim to magnify impact by coupling local programs with national resources.
New “Salud sin tanto choro” Clinics
Breaking bureaucratic barriers, the “Salud sin tanto choro” initiative opened two municipal clinics—in Villas del Sol and Zazil Ha—offering free primary care, nutritional counseling, and mental health support.
“We’re putting people back at the heart of policy,” Uribe Trujillo said. “These clinics are about direct, no-frills care.”
Thousands have already benefited from early screenings, health education sessions, and chronic-disease prevention services, reinforcing the administration’s focus on accessible, community-centered healthcare.
