Costa Rica has long been admired for its fresh cuisine, active lifestyle, and robust public healthcare system. However, that reputation is being tested as overweight and obesity increasingly affect a large share of the population, heightening the risk of chronic disease and placing added strain on national health resources.
According to official health data, nearly 70% of Costa Rican adults are now classified as overweight or obese. The prevalence is higher among women, at roughly 74%, compared with 63% among men. These figures have steadily increased over the past two decades, reflecting major shifts in diet and daily habits across the country.
Health experts attribute the trend to a growing reliance on ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, more sedentary work environments, and reduced physical activity in urban areas. Alarmingly, childhood obesity is also on the rise. About 8% of children under the age of five are already overweight, a development that raises concerns about future increases in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic conditions among younger generations.
Excess weight is closely linked to a range of serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint disorders, and certain cancers. These conditions already account for a significant portion of Costa Rica’s healthcare spending and hospital admissions. In response, authorities last year formally classified obesity as a chronic disease, enabling patients to access long-term treatment, nutritional counseling, and follow-up care through the public health system.
Against this backdrop, Costa Rica may soon see a new pharmaceutical option for weight management. Health authorities are currently reviewing an application for an oral version of Wegovy, a medication in the GLP-1 class. The pill was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first oral GLP-1 treatment specifically for weight loss.
Local media initially reported on the regulatory review, which was later confirmed by the Ministry of Health. The drug is produced by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which already markets injectable versions of Wegovy and Ozempic internationally.
Novo Nordisk executives say the daily pill delivers weight-loss results comparable to injections. Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 medications have gained global attention for their ability to suppress appetite, slow digestion, and support sustained weight reduction. Other drugs in the same category include Ozempic and Mounjaro.
In the United States, where obesity affects about 40% of adults, demand for these treatments has surged. Novo Nordisk has announced pricing of around $150 per month for the oral version, significantly lower than the cost of injectable alternatives. If approved in Costa Rica, the pill could provide a valuable option for patients who struggle to manage weight through diet and exercise alone. Still, health professionals emphasize that medication should complement—not replace—healthy eating, regular physical activity, and preventive education aimed at curbing obesity before it starts.
