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Panama, March 4, 2026 (PAHO/WHO) – On World Obesity Day, Panama marks a milestone in public health with the official launch of the "Evidence-Informed Clinical Practice Guideline for Addressing Obesity in Adults." This regulatory document aims to transform comprehensive patient care at all levels of the national health system.
The urgency of this intervention is based on critical statistics: 67.5% of adults in the Region of the Americas are overweight or obese. In Panama, the situation is equally challenging, with 71.7% of the population overweight or obese, and 35.3% affected by obesity. This condition represents a key risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and various types of cancer.
Faced with this reality and within the framework of the WHO's Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity, Panama launched its national plan in 2025, prioritizing strategic actions such as obesity management in primary health care. In this context, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the Social Security Fund (CSS), with technical cooperation from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), promoted the updating of the regulations in force since 2009 regarding the Guide for the Comprehensive Care of People with Obesity.
The new guide addresses the need to implement scalable strategies grounded in the best scientific evidence. Its primary objective is to standardize clinical management and improve the quality of life of the Panamanian population. For its development, a systematic adaptation based on the GRADE methodology was carried out. This approach ensures recommendations can be implemented within the Panamanian health system. This technical effort included the participation of national experts, health professionals, and patient representatives. The process also incorporated the perspectives of health resource managers.
PAHO/WHO played a fundamental role through close cooperation. This support was channeled through the Science and Knowledge for Action Unit of the Department of Evidence and Intelligence and the Risk Factors and Nutrition Unit, in conjunction with the country office. The organization ensured that each recommendation was aligned with global evidence standards.
In addition to providing scientific advice, PAHO/WHO provided logistical support for this virtual launch. Support included managing digital platforms, designing informative infographics, and producing strategic audiovisual materials. This technical support ensures that the guide achieves widespread dissemination among key stakeholders in the health sector.
During the opening, Dr. Ana Rivière Cinnamond, PAHO/WHO Representative in Panama, recognized the value of health professionals at different levels of care as the driving force behind this evidence-based technical and scientific tool. In a special message, she emphasized that “this effort is a key component of the Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity, reaffirming that health is a fundamental right and a pillar of equity.” The representative reaffirmed the commitment to continue supporting the country in the national implementation phase.
The National Deputy Director of Primary Health Care at the Social Security Fund, Dr. Hiram Martín De Mera, highlighted the value of applying the guideline within primary health care through a comprehensive approach, including key actions, systematic screening and recording, interdisciplinary management, achievable goals, and continuous follow-up.
For his part, the Minister of Health, Dr. Fernando Boyd Galindo, launched the guideline on World Obesity Day, reaffirming the commitment to providing care based on evidence, empathy, and respect. The Minister urged professionals to implement the guidelines as a key tool for improving the population's quality of life.
The event's virtual audience included health professionals, academics, researchers, and representatives of civil society. Also participating were PAHO subregional officials and regulatory policy specialists. The diversity of the attendees reflects the intersectoral approach needed to effectively combat the obesity epidemic.
The technical agenda delved into the process of adapting the guidelines and managing obesity from a comprehensive perspective. It was emphasized that this document is a living instrument that will need to be updated as new evidence emerges. The launch concluded with a call to action to implement these guidelines in both private and public clinical practice.
With this new tool, Panama positions itself at the forefront regionally in the use of evidence to manage chronic diseases. Implementing the guidelines will not only optimize resource use but also enable more humane and efficient care. The success of this national policy will now depend on its adoption throughout Panama.
