Mexico level of obesity passes US
Source: Agencies |
July 12, 2013, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
MEXICO has surpassed the United States in levels of adult obesity, a dubious distinction that experts attribute to Mexicans abandoning their traditional diet for processed snack foods and drinks.
Almost a third of adult Mexicans, 32.8 percent, are obese compared to 31.8 percent of Americans, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Both trail such countries as Kuwait at 42.8 percent, and Micronesian island Nauru at 71.1 percent.
Experts point to changing dietary patterns in Mexico.
"Mexicans consume more soft drinks per person than any other country. That's a lot of sugar," said Katia Garcia, a nutritionist for the Power of the Consumer group.
Garcia said Mexicans are eating more refined flour, sugar and energy-dense foods. "People have been abandoning traditional, tortillas, beans and chili," she said.
The FAO's "The State of Food and Agriculture" report defines people over 20 years old with a body mass index of 30 or more as obese.
Almost a third of adult Mexicans, 32.8 percent, are obese compared to 31.8 percent of Americans, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Both trail such countries as Kuwait at 42.8 percent, and Micronesian island Nauru at 71.1 percent.
Experts point to changing dietary patterns in Mexico.
"Mexicans consume more soft drinks per person than any other country. That's a lot of sugar," said Katia Garcia, a nutritionist for the Power of the Consumer group.
Garcia said Mexicans are eating more refined flour, sugar and energy-dense foods. "People have been abandoning traditional, tortillas, beans and chili," she said.
The FAO's "The State of Food and Agriculture" report defines people over 20 years old with a body mass index of 30 or more as obese.
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