The Baja California Sur Secretary of Health conducted free glucose, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) screenings at rehabilitation centers across the Los Cabos municipality. The effort targeted early detection of diabetes and hypertension, two chronic conditions that affect a large share of the state’s population.
The screening campaign coincided with World Obesity Day. State health officials noted that 48% of adults in Baja California Sur are classified as obese, a rate that makes preventive testing especially urgent in the region.
What the Free Screenings Include
The no-cost tests covered three key health markers: blood glucose levels to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes, blood pressure readings to identify hypertension, and BMI calculations to assess obesity risk. Health workers carried out the screenings at rehabilitation centers in the Los Cabos area.
The BCS health department said residents with a family history of diabetes or hypertension should prioritize getting tested. Both conditions often develop without obvious symptoms, making routine screening one of the most effective tools for early intervention.
Access for Those Without Social Security
People without IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) or other social security coverage can access these free screenings at any nearby public health center in the state. This applies to foreign residents, expats, and visitors who are not enrolled in Mexico’s formal social security system. Public health centers, known as centros de salud, operate throughout the Los Cabos municipality in communities including San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
Childhood Prevention Program Also Active
Alongside the adult screening campaign, the state health department promoted its “Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz” (Live Healthy, Live Happy) program. The initiative targets elementary school children with healthy eating and exercise habits education. Officials said addressing obesity at a young age is essential to reducing chronic disease rates in the next generation.
Mexico ranks among the countries with the highest rates of diabetes and obesity worldwide. In Baja California Sur specifically, nearly half of all adults carry a BMI in the obese range, according to state health data. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death across Mexico, and hypertension contributes to heart disease and stroke risk.
The BCS Secretary of Health encouraged all residents to visit their nearest public health center for testing, regardless of whether they currently experience symptoms. The information was first reported by the Baja California Sur state government.