The Santiago de Cali City Hall officially presented the country's first Comprehensive and Integrated Obesity Care Program. According to the official bulletin, the initiative seeks to provide medical, psychological, and nutritional support to the population, in coordination with public health entities.
The announcement was made in partnership with Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of some of the most expensive obesity-related medications. The program was presented with the support of the district's Health Secretariat, as part of efforts to address one of the main chronic diseases affecting the population.
Endocrinologist Rosero reacted to this release by pointing out that obesity should not be understood solely as a disease but as a symptom of a food system dominated by ultra-processed foods and aggressive marketing. "If we don't shut down the obesity factory, any strategy will be limited to medication," he stated on his official X account.
The specialist also warned about the risks of private laboratories, with direct interests in drug sales, influencing the definition of public policy on obesity. He explained that this approach could translate into more diagnoses, more prescription medications, and increased public spending without addressing the structural causes of the problem.
Rosero concluded that science and politics must serve the health of the population, not the interests of industry. Otherwise, he warned, there is a risk of having health systems in crisis, a medically underserved population, and persistent obesity. More information about his work can be found at https://www.endocrinorosero.com/ and on his social media: @endocrinorosero.