Public opinion on actions to prevent obesity in Mexico in 2021

According to a survey conducted in Mexico in 2021, around 40 percent of respondents agreed that healthy eating was a commonly suggested action within the framework of obesity prevention campaigns. Exercising was the second most advised measure, as perceived by 26.7 percent of interviewees. Other recommended actions included providing preventive information, not consuming junk food, and eating fruits and vegetables.

Government measures against obesity

When asked about official measures to prevent obesity in Mexico, over one-fifth of respondents taking part on a 2021 survey stated that the federal government should implement preventive campaigns, while 17.5 percent considered it should prohibit or regulate junk food sales. Around 10 percent of respondents would like the government to focus on school programs. As of that year, approximately 37.5 percent of Mexican children aged 5 to 11 were obese or overweight, a figure expected to reach over 6.5 million children by 2030.

Obesity and related diseases

Obesity is a major risk for developing other health problems such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. As of 2021, obesity was among the most common illnesses in Mexico, reaching more than 482 thousand cases, while around 400 thousand cases corresponded to diabetes mellitus. That same year, Mexico ranked among the countries with the highest number of people with diabetes worldwide, reporting more than 14 million patients by that time.