Public opinion on causes of obesity in Mexico in 2021

According to a survey carried out in 2021, around 47.4 percent of respondents considered that unhealthy habits were the primary cause of obesity in Mexico. A high supply of junk or fast food was the second factor most commonly seen as the main driver for this medical condition, as mentioned by 15 percent of people surveyed. Lack of nutritional information and poor nutrition were also among the main answers provided by interviewees, with around nine and seven percent of respondents.

Obesity as a major health concern

Obesity and overweight are characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that is detrimental to people's health. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is commonly used to classify individuals based on the relation between the person’s weight and their height. A BMI threshold above 30 kg/m² indicates obesity, while values between 25kg/m² and 30 kg/m² are considered overweight. As of 2022, a worldwide survey among adults found that Mexico had the highest share of respondents stating obesity was one of the biggest health problems facing people in their country, as mentioned by over half of all interviewees. A year earlier, the reported prevalence of overweight and obesity in Mexico had reached approximately 72.4 percent of the adult population.

Obesity prevention

Adopting healthy habits such as exercising frequently and reducing the consumption of highly caloric foods can prevent obesity, overweight, and related diseases. When asked about commonly suggested actions within the framework of obesity prevention campaigns in Mexico, approximately 40 percent of adult respondents mentioned eating healthy, and about 26.7 percent exercising. In contrast, only approximately one percent of respondents mentioned medical check-ups, while another one percent had not recognized any campaign.