Responsibility vs. Reality
Just over half of Latin Americans feel good both mentally and physically
Latin Americans are clear about who is responsible for their health: themselves. So much so that 86% declare that their well-being is in their own hands. When it comes to taking action, however, the data reveal a greater challenge. That is because only 58% say they proactively engage with their mental health, and even fewer (55%) invest efforts in physical health.
Adding to the complexity of the analysis, it is worth noting that only 55% of people feel they are doing well or doing very well on both fronts – physical and mental health. These numbers vary significantly between regions, ranging from 68% in Colombia and 61% in Mexico to 45% in Chile and just 39% in Argentina. This disparity underscores that well-being is still a challenge for many.
It is worth noting that, even though individuals accept most of the responsibility for their health, they also point out the need for help from others. For example, 52% of people say they expect government support for better wellness, while 50% of Latin Americans say brands should play a role in ensuring healthier living.
But, after all, what prevents people from acting? There are several factors, but the biggest barrier is the cost. While consumers in Latin America are eager to adopt healthier lifestyles, 52% feel they are being prevented from making the right choices because of the high prices charged. They also point to the limited range (37%) and the difficulty finding products in stores (25%) as obstacles.
Behavioural factors also seem to prevent people from achieving better quality of life. Three of them deserve to be highlighted and are discussed in the next chapter.
