The upscale and vibrant Municipality of Escazú is home to some of the most affluent and luxurious residential communities in the Greater San Jose Metropolitan Area (Spanish acronym: GAM). Unfortunately, Escazú is also home to a significant number of overweight residents. With nearly 20 percent of the population of Escazú significantly overweight or morbidly obese, municipal, educational and health officials are preparing an intervention.

According to reporter Jason Torres of online news daily CRHoy, the Municipality of Escazú is working in conjunction with the Ministries of Public Health and Education to reduce obesity levels in this community. Vice Mayor Luciana Toledo explained that a cantonal health survey conducted by the local Ebais (primary care public health clinic) counted about 7,000 adults and 4,000 school-age students in Escazú whose expanding waistlines are of concern. There are about 57,000 residents in this suburban canton, and many of them are North American expats.

Upon reviewing the results of the health survey, municipal leaders planned a strategy to tackle obesity rates in Escazú, which are not exactly the highest in Costa Rica. In 2012, The Costa Rica Star reported on the combined numbers of moderately overweight to obese Ticos are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and La Caja, Costa Rica’s esteemed –yet troubled– public health system:

1. 62 percent of men in Costa Rica are overweight
2. 60 percent of women in Costa Rica are overweight

Although Costa Rica has not reached the obesity rates of the United States, Mexico or Qatar, anything is possible for this country in the 21^st century. There seems to be a certain correlation between increased prosperity and obesity, which explains the concern by municipal leaders in Escazú. After all, this is a canton known for affluence and prosperity, and the 4,000 obese students are definitely a major concern for city officials. Obesity in a socially progressive community is not limited to Escazú: In New Zealand, the most socially responsible nation as of 2014, the obesity rate among adults is one in four (PDF).

In the near future, public schools in Escazú can expect surprise visits by nutritionists from La Caja who will ensure that the school breakfast and lunch program is compliant with healthy standards. Five outdoor fitness spaces equipped with rugged exercise equipment are expected to be completed in the next few months; the goal is to have 23 of these spaces in Escazú over the next few years.

Zumba classes and evening walks will also be encouraged among families in Escazú for the purpose of promoting healthy habits instead of living a sedentary and hedonic lifestyle.