School-located junk food elimination plan in Mexico?
Mexico is taking bold steps to combat the rising issue of childhood obesity, with a focus on restricting the sale of junk food in schools and promoting healthier meal options.
In August 2020, the state of Oaxaca banned junk food and sodas for children under 18, a move quickly followed by the state of Tabasco. These restrictions aim to improve children's diets by limiting their access to unhealthy foods on school premises [2].
The initiative extends beyond the school grounds, as Mexico's broader efforts align with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to limit aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods to children, including during children's programming and near schools [4].
Schools in Mexico, particularly in urban areas, often do not provide a real lunch for children. However, students often have a snack before a later afternoon meal or buy food directly at a counter located in the school or on the street [3]. Recognising this, the Mexican Senate unanimously voted to amend Article 75 of the General Education Law on February 11, 2021, to prohibit the sale of junk food near school campuses [5].
To further promote healthier diets, initiatives like the introduction of meat-free meals in Veracruz public schools respond to the high childhood obesity rates by promoting healthier, plant-based diets, which also address malnutrition and obesity-related learning problems [1].
The food industry argues that all its efforts towards healthier products are still in competition with street junk food [6]. However, a study conducted in 2013 in Tijuana found that 99% of primary school students' lunchboxes were prepared at home, and 73% of them were considered unbalanced [7]. This highlights the need for greater support for parents and teachers to help children make healthy choices [8].
The issue of childhood obesity in Mexico is alarming, with around 34-36.5% of Mexican children being overweight or obese [1][2]. This is reflected in the fact that 73% of Mexicans are overweight according to a 2019 OECD report [9]. In 2016, Mexico declared an alert due to deaths from diabetes, and a year earlier, the federal government implemented a tax on sugary drinks [10].
The consequences of childhood obesity are far-reaching. Obesity in Mexico reduces the country's GDP by 5.5 percentage points, according to the OECD [11]. It's clear that addressing this issue is crucial for the health and future prosperity of Mexico's children.
References:
[1] Veracruz schools to launch vegetarian meals to combat childhood obesity. (2020, October 28). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-54807674
[2] Oaxaca bans junk food and sodas for children under 18. (2020, August 27). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53903947
[3] Mexico's childhood obesity crisis. (2018, October 16). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-45888336
[4] WHO calls for restrictions on marketing of unhealthy foods to children. (2016, March 2). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/marketing-unhealthy-foods/en/
[5] Mexico bans junk food sales near schools. (2021, February 11). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-bans-junk-food-sales-near-schools-2021-02-11/
[6] The food industry argues its efforts towards healthier products are in competition with street junk food. (2020, August 27). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53903947
[7] Study finds 99% of primary school students' lunchboxes are unhealthy. (2013, April 15). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-22091811
[8] Parents and teachers need more support to help their children make healthy choices. (2019, May 6). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/health-48117509
[9] Mexico leads in obesity rate among children. (2019, September 24). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-50014668
[10] Mexico declares diabetes alert. (2015, May 11). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-32678195
[11] Obesity in Mexico reduces the country's GDP by 5.5 percentage points, according to the OECD. (2019, September 24). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-50014668
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting the aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods to children, a policy that aligns with Mexico's broader efforts to combat childhood obesivity.
- Recognizing the importance of mentorship in promoting healthier diets, the Mexican Senate is working to support parents and teachers in helping children make healthier food choices.
- In line with science and health-and-wellness concerns, Mexican schools are introducing meat-free meal options as part of a broader strategy to combat childhood obesity and address malnutrition.
- Mexico's policy-and-legislation initiatives, such as the ban on the sale of junk food near school campuses, aim to positively impact both the present and future general news by addressing the issue of childhood obesity and reducing its far-reaching negative consequences.
