Mexico Fights Childhood Obesity By Banning Junk Food Sales

Childhood obesity continues to rise and 2020 certainly hasn’t helped improve this situation. In 2018, a Mexican government health survey found that 75% of Mexican children were overweight or obese, while it was around 19% in the US according to the CDC. However, mandatory stay at home orders combined with kids being homeschooled has led to an increase in these numbers.

Nonetheless, the obesity epidemic amongst our youth is one that needs to be taken very seriously to ensure the current and future health and wellbeing of society.

Recently, Oaxaca, a state in Mexico with one of the world’s highest rates of obesity, has banned the sale of junk and sugary foods to children. Specifically, the Mexican population is estimated to consume more soda than any other group. According to the Guardian,

“Mexicans drink 163 litres of soft drink a year per head – the most in the world – and consumption starts young. A survey by El Poder del Consumidor found 70% of schoolchildren in a poor region of Guerrero state reported having soda for breakfast.”

This attempt comes as Mexico deals with rising COVID deaths, of which we know that poor metabolic health is associated with worsened outcomes. Could this be the first important step in handling this crisis from a metabolic perspective?

As the world waits for a vaccine, could countries make an effort like what is being done here to focus on improving metabolic health and limiting processed carbohydrates/sugars?

What Do You Think About the Growing Incidence of Childhood Obesity?

Do you think banning junk food sales is the right way to reduce childhood obesity? If not, what do you think would help? We would love to know your thoughts on this topic so comment below and let us know what you think.