Sugar-sweetened beverages: the battle against overweight and obesity in Mexico

Abstract

A large percentage of Mexican adults are gaining weight uncontrollably. Data from national health surveys reveal that children are also becoming victims of this. This makes a great deal of sense as adults are responsible for feeding their children; if they are incapable of following a balanced diet and lifestyle, their children will unlikely develop healthy habits. High levels of overweight and obesity in populations lead to sick societies. Furthermore, health risks caused by obesity varying from psychological, cardiovascular, and other disability problems may lead to serious economic repercussions in these societies. To stop weight gain in Mexican population, various public policies have been developed. One such policy is the 2014 taxing of sugar-sweetened beverages with the intention to reduce their consumption. This article summarizes results associated with the sugar sweetened beverage tax and a reduction in soft drinks consumption in the Mexican population. Diverse mathematical models suggest a likelihood that the percentage of obesity and overweight people will also follow a downward trend, a good first step in improving the quality of life in Mexico.

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