Razones de Peso: por qué un programa de prevención con semaglutida puede cambiar el rumbo del sistema de salud en México

The health crisis Mexico is experiencing has a silent origin: morbid obesity. In 2021, CKD became the fifth leading cause of death in Mexico. Associated mortality increased 102% between 1990 and 2017.

A Problem That Overwhelms the IMSS

The lifetime cost of a hemodialysis patient is around $1,289,291 pesos. The cost of comprehensive treatment with semaglutide for 68 weeks is $136,283 pesos. Preventing a single case saves more than one million pesos. In a pilot of 1,000 patients, estimated savings exceed $1,153 million pesos.

Semaglutide: Solid Evidence

STEP studies (NEJM) demonstrate weight losses of more than 17.5% on average, exceeding 25% in many cases. It decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes, stops the progression toward chronic kidney disease.

Benefits for the Most Vulnerable Mexicans

Reduces catastrophic expenses for low-income families. Preventative policies are social policies.

Benefits for the Government

Multi-million savings (with 10,000 patients, 11 billion pesos). Lower hospital saturation. Greater labor productivity. Contribution to national health goals by 2030.

Conclusion

Investing in prevention is not only wise: it is an act of public responsibility and social justice.