Historia, tendencias y causas de la obesidad en México

Abstract

Throughout humanity’s history, obesity has been present among all cultures and civilizations. Representations of voluminous bodies in paleolithic figures, as well as descriptions of  excess of weight and its consequences in engravings and texts suggest the recognition of this problem  since antiquity. In addition, there is evidence of stigmatization towards people with obesity for more  than 2000 years. In Latin America, Mexico ranks among the top five countries with the highest  prevalence of obesity. From 2000 to 2016, the increase in obesity in adult women was from 28% to  38,6% and in men from 19% to 27,7%. Abdominal obesity in women increased from 82,2% in 2012 to  87,7% in 2016, and in men increased from 64,5% in 2012 to 65,4% in 2016. Which means that anti- obesity strategies have not been effective. Among the anti-obesity strategies implemented in Mexico,  three elements established since Greeks have been included: 1) that obesity is a consequence of high  food consumption, 2) is consequence of less physical activity, and 3) the adjudication of responsibility  of obesity to individuals or to the parents of children with excess weight. Evidence on genetic,  epigenetic and environmental factors that occur before pregnancy, during pregnancy and throughout  life have been omitted, and a message is sent in favor to the stigmatization of people with obesity. In  addition, no efforts have been made to reduce poverty and migration, social determinants associated  with obesity. New strategies based on evidence and according to the cultural characteristics of  consumption and local physical activity should be evaluated. Similarly, it is necessary to consider the  access and availability of food, as well as the coverage, quality of health care and prevention in  different regions of the country. Early interventions on prenatal, postnatal and before four years of age  are necessary, with the participation of different actors (government, academics, professionals,  legislators) from different disciplines, institutions and states of the country.