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November 21, 2008 4:59:02 PM CST

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Mexico May Overtake US as Fattest Country

Posted Mar 24, 08 11:23 AM CDT in US,  World 

(Newser) – Mexico is the second-fattest nation after the US, and it could top the list within 10 years if waistlines continue to expand at the current rate. Nearly three-quarters of Mexican women and two-thirds of men are overweight, and diabetes is now the main cause of death. Health officials are launching anti-junk-food campaigns, but industry lobbyists aren't about to throw in the towel.

Obesity was a non-issue in Mexico 15 years ago, but eating habits changed with the advent of supermarket chains and KFC, McClatchy reports. Today, it's easier to get a Coke than a glass of potable water at most public schools. And although Pepsi created a video game on healthy eating, it hasn't let up on marketing to Mexican kids.

Source McClatchy Newspapers

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Mexican citizen Manuel Uribe takes a promenade March 7, 2007 on his bed, accompanied by a mariachi group and friends along the streets of his neighbourhood in Monterrey, Mexico.   (Getty Images)
Mexican overweight Manuel Uribe toasts with champaigne on his bed during a promenade March 7, 2007, accompanied by a mariachi group and friends in his neighbourhood in Monterrey, Mexico.   (Getty Images)
"People don't eat right anymore," said one merchant. "That's why so many Mexicans are obese."   (Shutterstock.com)
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health • Mexico • obesity • diabetes • obesity epidemic • Pepsi • junk food • soft drinks


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