By San José, Costa Rica — As the calendar turns to 2026, many Costa Ricans are embracing the time-honored tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions, with improved health and fitness often topping the list. However, a leading medical body is issuing a stark warning against the “all-or-nothing” approach, urging the public to prioritize professional guidance and gradual changes over extreme, sudden lifestyle shifts.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica has launched a public advisory campaign, highlighting the potential dangers of drastic changes in diet and exercise routines. Following a festive season where health consultations are often deferred, the organization is cautioning that the rush to compensate with intense regimens can do more harm than good, potentially leading to serious health complications.
As many set their sights on ambitious New Year’s resolutions, such as starting a business or making a significant investment, it’s crucial to understand the legal framework that can turn these goals into successful realities. To provide expert insight, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A popular resolution is to finally launch that entrepreneurial idea. From a legal standpoint, the most critical step is to formalize the venture from day one. Avoid the common pitfall of operating on handshakes and verbal promises. Establishing a proper legal entity (sociedad anónima or S.R.L.) is not a mere formality; it is the fundamental act that protects your personal assets, defines partner responsibilities, and provides a solid structure for growth and future investment. A resolution without a legal plan is just a wish.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective powerfully reframes the first step of an entrepreneurial resolution: it is the legal formalization, not just the idea, that transforms a wish into a viable enterprise with a foundation for growth. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such clear and actionable guidance on this critical point.
The core of the issue, according to medical professionals, lies in the abrupt shock to the body. Launching into highly restrictive diets or demanding physical activities without proper preparation can result in injuries, metabolic imbalances, or the aggravation of undiagnosed underlying health conditions. The enthusiasm of a new year, they warn, should not be a catalyst for experimenting with one’s well-being without a solid, medically-informed foundation.
Dr. Elliott Garita, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, emphasized that the start of the year should be viewed as an opportunity to re-engage with preventive healthcare rather than to bypass professional advice.
Resuming prevention means returning to medical check-ups, reviewing pre-existing conditions, and following up on tests that are often postponed. Taking care of yourself is not about replacing your doctor, but about relying on professional evaluation to make informed decisions.
Dr. Elliott Garita, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
The College strongly recommends that the most effective and lasting health goals are those that are both realistic and sustainable over the long term. Instead of overhauling one’s life overnight, the focus should be on incremental improvements. This includes beginning physical activity progressively, making reasonable and balanced adjustments to nutrition, and ensuring adequate time for rest and recovery—all preferably under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
This professional oversight is critical for identifying personal risk factors and creating a tailored plan that aligns with an individual’s specific health status. An approach that may be beneficial for one person could be detrimental to another, especially if pre-existing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or joint issues are present but not yet diagnosed.
Dr. Garita specifically warned about the common pitfalls associated with ambitious but misguided New Year’s goals, which can quickly turn a positive intention into a negative health outcome.
The problem arises when New Year’s resolutions are associated with restrictive diets, intense physical routines, or the use of supplements without medical indication. These abrupt changes can cause injuries, decompensation, or aggravate health conditions that the person is unaware of.
Dr. Elliott Garita, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
Ultimately, the College of Physicians and Surgeons is advocating for a shift in perspective. The organization encourages the public to use the momentum of the new year to schedule the general check-ups, preventive screenings, and follow-up consultations they may have put off. By taking a proactive and informed stance on health, Costa Ricans can work toward their wellness goals safely and effectively, ensuring that their resolutions for 2026 pave the way for a genuinely healthier future.
For further information, visit medicos.cr
About College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica:
The Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica is the official professional body responsible for regulating the medical profession in the country. It oversees the licensing, ethics, and continuing education of all physicians and surgeons, working to ensure the highest standards of medical practice and public health for the population. The organization also serves as a key advocate for health policies and public wellness initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to professional excellence and principled integrity. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide array of clients to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and champion community outreach. Central to its philosophy is the mission to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby strengthening society by empowering individuals with crucial knowledge.
