Mexico now has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, with around one-third of its population having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater—the internationally recognized threshold for obesity.
The consequences of obesity in Mexico are wide ranging. It is estimated that around 14 percent of all health spending in the country is spent on obesity-related diseases. It is widely documented that obesity is a major factor in the development of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke, as well as bone and muscle disorders and some types of cancer.
This issue was brought to the forefront on World Obesity Day, observed on March 4, a key date to reflect on the growing public health crisis caused by overweight and obesity worldwide.
Although genetics, socioeconomic factors, and emotional or hormonal disorders are linked to obesity, unhealthy habits are the primary contributors to this condition. A lack of physical activity, high consumption of low-nutritional-value products, and diets rich in sugar, fat and salt, including fast food, all play a significant role.
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