Obesity Prevalence in Mexican Adults Remains High: INSP

A recent study analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) Continua 2020-2023 reveals that 37.1% of Mexican adults are obese. The findings underscore a growing public health concern, particularly among women, who are more likely to be affected by obesity than men. This study offers valuable insights into the prevalence, risk factors, and trends in obesity over the last two decades, providing important information for public health policy design.

The research, which analyzed the responses of 32,889 participants aged 20 and older, focused on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and various sociodemographic factors, chronic diseases, and consumption of industrialized sugary drinks (ISD). The study revealed that women exhibited the highest obesity rates (41.0%) compared to men (33.0%), with adults aged 40 to 59 years exhibiting the highest obesity prevalence. 

Between 2000 and 2023, the obesity rate among men in Mexico grew by 78%. This rise is concerning due to the well-established association between obesity and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In addition to obesity, the study also explored the consumption of energy-dense beverages, such as sugary sodas and alcohol. It found that men were twice as likely as women to consume these beverages in significant amounts, with 6.8% of men reporting a high intake compared to just 3.3% of women. This consumption pattern further highlights the link between obesity and lifestyle choices, with those living with obesity more likely to have a higher intake of sugary drinks.

Interestingly, the study found that while obesity rates have continued to rise since the early 2000s, the period between 2016 and 2023 showed no significant changes in obesity prevalence. This stabilization suggests that while efforts to curb obesity may be underway, further interventions are needed to address this growing issue.

The findings from this survey provide a critical snapshot of the state of adult obesity in Mexico and underscore the importance of targeting risk factors such as diet and physical activity in public health policies. With obesity rates on the rise, particularly among middle-aged adults, the study highlights the urgency of continued efforts to mitigate this public health crisis and its associated burden on the healthcare system.