Obesity in Mexico is a relatively recent phenomenon, having been widespread since the 1980s with the introduction of ultra-processed food into much of the Mexican food market. Prior to that, dietary issues were limited to under and malnutrition, which is still a problem in various parts of the country. Following trends already ongoing in other parts of the world, Mexicans have been foregoing the traditional Mexican diet high in whole grains, fruits, legumes and vegetables in favor of a diet with more animal products and ultra-processed foods. It has seen dietary energy intake and rates of overweight and obese people rise with seven out of ten at least overweight and a third clinically obese.
History
Undernutrition vs. overnutrition
Until the late 20th century, dietary issues in Mexico were solely a question of undernutrition or malnutrition, generally because of poverty and distribution issues. For this reason, obesity was associated with wealth and health, the latter especially in children. Despite changes in the Mexican diet and food distribution, malnutrition still remains problematic in various parts of the country.
Nutrition transition By the 1980s, Latin American populations began to experience widespread changes in their diet, away from produce and grains toward processed food in a manner similar to what had previously occurred in developed countries. The main reason for this shift is the dominance of transnational food companies in the Mexican market, following a trend seen in other parts of the world. This shift was toward the consumption of high-energy -sugar, -fat, and -salt food featuring various types of sweeteners and animal products and a decrease in whole grains and vegetables. Animal proteins replaced vegetable, with a 50% increase in prevalence from the 1960s to the 1990s. The total cholesterol availability in Mexico surpasses the US guidelines for daily intake, at over 300 mg per day, a result of the increased availability of saturated fats. The change was initially limited to more affluent urban groups that could afford processed foods and these groups showed an increase in health conditions associated with this diet, including obesity. These foods are easier and less time-consuming to prepare. With easier access to food providers and supermarkets, more affluent households also tend to buy more fruits, fish, eggs and vegetables and less oils and grains, while poorer urban households tend to choose foods that exceed their energy needs and lack essential vitamins and minerals. In a survey of 650 urban school lunches, none were graded as healthy and only one percent graded as adequate. Since the 1980s, rural diets, that had consisted primarily of vegetables and very little animal or saturated fats, have shown declines in fruit and vegetable intake. In Northern Mexico, rural populations who transitioned from their traditional diets to more processed diets also experienced a dramatic increase in obesity and diabetes. In addition to dietary changes, modern life has also made the Mexican population more sedentary. Traditional labor-intensive jobs in farming, factories and mining have given way to desk jobs. In addition, most people use motorized transportation instead of walking or biking. About 40% of Mexicans do not exercise.
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