UNICEF reveals figures on childhood obesity in Mexico

In Mexico, 13% of children under five years of age are stunted and 7% are overweight, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2012. Likewise, only 14% of babies between 0 and 5 months old are exclusively breastfed, while 18% of children under two years old do not consume fruits or vegetables daily, according to the Child Nutrition Report 2025 .

The United Nations Children's Fund ( UNICEF ) warned that the modern food environment has overloaded families with products high in sugar, salt, and fat—mostly aimed at children—that are presented as "healthy" or "fun."

"We're no longer just talking about food shortages, but about environments where what's available and accessible are ultra-processed products that displace fruits, vegetables, and proteins." UNICEF noted in its report:

"It's not just a matter of individual choices; it's a toxic food environment that pushes families toward cheap, addictive, and harmful options ," she noted.

Although the federal government has implemented measures to reduce this problem, some of them were rushed and did not consider viable options for families in Mexico, considering the cost and availability of information, said Josefa Gallego, a child nutrition specialist.

An example of this was the ban on ultra-processed and junk foods in schools, a regulation that failed to inform and educate parents, as many are unaware of what nutritious options they can replace these foods with.

"There's no information at hand. It was simply a law that paved the way for the ban, but it wasn't communicated, families weren't educated about 'this should include a healthy, balanced lunchbox, what children's breakfast should be, what they should eat to stay focused, to be nourished, to be able to perform.' It's a very good policy, but it needs to be worked on a little more. Education should begin at home, which is the core, and educate school staff," he said.

In an interview, he noted that childhood obesity is a condition in which a child accumulates a higher percentage of body fat than the body needs at their age. This accumulation can lead to various problems and affect organs, bones, metabolism, and emotions.

"Many times the family environment doesn't help us because parents don't engage in any type of physical activity; they don't encourage cycling or going to the park. It's also important to point out the socioeconomic factor, and there's often this myth, unfortunately, that healthy food is expensive," he said.

Josefa Gallego explained that this condition can be hereditary, passed from parents or grandparents to the child, so biological and genetic factors are the greatest risk factors. On the other hand, an unhealthy diet , including excessive consumption of soft drinks, fast food, junk food, and ultra-processed foods and sweets, is another important factor.

"Today, we typically find obesity in children as young as 5 years old. When we talk about childhood obesity and overweight, we're talking about children between 5 and 11 years old. Today, we have children who spend most of their days on tablets, playing video games, in front of screens, and who don't engage in physical activity," he lamented.

Regarding the increased screen time among children in the country, the expert reported that it goes hand in hand with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, as well as sleep problems by disrupting the production of melatonin, a key component of falling and staying asleep.

"Eye strain is no secret either, and not only is there eye fatigue and headaches, but it's also being confirmed that there's an increase in the use of glasses at younger ages, whereas previously we saw them in adults. Now many children are using glasses precisely as a result of screens," he said.

The nutrition coach emphasized changing habits and implementing physical activity, using fewer screens, planning the weekly menu before shopping, prioritizing fresh, local, and seasonal products, involving children in choosing fruits and vegetables, and opting for clear labels with few ingredients.

When reading nutrition labels on products before purchasing or consuming them, he urged people to check for added sugars and identify terms like corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, or brown sugar. Likewise, know the unhealthy fats, avoid refined oils (palm, coconut) or hydrogenated fats.

She also asked to identify artificial ingredients, limit colors and sweeteners, and check the length of the list: the longer and more technical, the more likely it is ultra-processed: "If the first ingredient is sugar or fat, it's best to leave it out."

For its part, UNICEF called on governments to implement clear and mandatory labeling for ultra-processed foods; prohibit advertising aimed at minors; impose fiscal regulations (taxes) on products high in added sugars; and promote policies for fresh and minimally processed foods.

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