AZUCARE

Addressing Obesity and Hydration Issues in Mexico: A Focus on Family Health with Azucare

With the Azucare team, we observed thatMexico faces one of the highest obesity rates in the world, with 87% of adults and 40% of children categorized as obese. Obesity is a widespread issue that impacts every member of the family, affecting the nation’s overall health.

The Distorted Perception of Nutrition and Health in Mexico

According to the National Institute for Pediatrics, there is a common misconception regarding malnutrition and obesity in Mexican children. Many people perceive being overweight as a sign of good nutrition and health during childhood. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of the population recognizes overweight or obesity as a chronic disease linked to non-communicable diseases that may affect individuals later in life.

Our Target: Families in Urban Mexico

Our target audience is families, particularly adults living with children in large cities. The family structure, along with strong community and neighborhood bonds, plays a crucial role in Mexican culture, serving as the foundation of daily life. For this reason, we have decided to focus on low-income households, which often face resource limitations that put them at a disadvantage in terms of access to healthier options.

In Mexican households, the mother typically holds the most significant role in food and beverage decision-making. She is the primary grocery shopper and the one who prepares most of the family’s meals. Low-income families tend to shop at street markets or small, family-run stores known as tienditas, which generally stock only basic ingredients for traditional Mexican meals.

Water Distribution and Soda Consumption: A Growing Concern

Another critical issue in Mexico is the distribution and accessibility of clean water. Since 1992, the privatization of domestic water has led to a decrease in the availability of potable water. As a result, the only option for drinkable water is to purchase bottled water. Compounding this issue is the widespread consumption of sugary drinks, as Mexico is the world’s largest consumer of sweet beverages. These drinks cost about the same as a regular bottle of water, which has contributed to their high consumption rates and exacerbated the obesity epidemic.

Our Approach: Promoting Better Hydration Choices

Given the severe impact of sugary drinks on the obesity crisis and overall health in Mexico, we have chosen to focus on improving hydration habits. Reducing soda consumption is a crucial step in combating obesity, promoting healthier habits, and improving nutrition. Our goal is to raise awareness among families about the importance of limiting sugary drinks in their daily routines and encourage better hydration choices, ultimately leading to healthier diets and lifestyles.

Our full report on Mexico Food Consumption here