• April 25, 2024

Childhood obesity is a public health problem that is generated by an inadequate diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Currently, Mexico ranks first in the world in this condition, since it is recorded from pre-school age.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 2006 , overweight and obesity increased in the country, reaching around 30% in children and up to 70% in adults.

Therefore, the Chamber of Deputies announced in a statement that was approved with 442 votes in favor of a reform against childhood obesity, presented by the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM).

Know the 4 key points!

The Chamber of Deputies states that the opinion reforms Article 28, paragraph D, of the Law for the Protection of the Rights of Girls, Boys and Adolescents, but what is intended by this amendment?

1. Adequate food. The federal, Federal District, state and municipal authorities will coordinate to combat malnutrition and obesity through the promotion of adequate nutrition.

2. Death prevention . Obesity contributes to almost 200 thousand deaths per year, which is why we seek to reduce this figure by improving access to nutritious foods.

3. Reduce chronic-degenerative diseases. By monitoring the nutrition of children and adults can be avoided the condition of diabetes mellitus type 2, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular and hypertensive.

4. Eliminate sedentary life This is one of the main triggers of childhood obesity, so actions are required to promote the performance of school and family physical activities.

"The fight against obesity should be a priority public health strategy among the three levels of government, should begin in childhood, be continued throughout life and have the active and committed participation of health personnel, along with the other sectors of society ", concludes the Chamber of Deputies.

Current prevention measures

Currently, Mexico has implemented some measures in schools to reduce the rate of childhood obesity, which is the promotion of a healthy diet, the stimulation of the practice of a sport or physical activity.

Even in the school campuses junk food has been eliminated and more nutritious school breakfasts have been designed, with skim milk, biscuit with fiber and fruit. In addition, private schools give parents a menu with healthy snacks.

Both obesity and overweight are preventable by modifying daily eating habits, increasing physical activity and visiting the doctor regularly. You can enjoy good health, act!