Mexico: Ranked first in the production of ultra-processed foods

Mexico ranks first in Latin America in the production and distribution of ultra-processed foods and is the fourth-largest consumer of these foods worldwide, according to the Data Lab Against Obesity (LabDO).

Furthermore, in the country, more than seven out of every 10 adults are overweight, as are 37.3% of children aged 5 to 11 and 7.7% of those under five—representing nearly 4 million children—according to data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).

Per capita consumption of these products stands at 212 kilograms, based on statistics from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

LabDO consulted the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which noted that more than 70 percent of Mexico’s population regularly consumes ultra-processed foods, while access to fruits, vegetables, and proteins is limited, especially among lower-income groups.

Among the most widely consumed products in Mexico are salty snacks; sugary beverages; sweets, chocolates, and candies; pastries, cookies, packaged or boxed sweet breads, and instant soups, while the most popular fast-food choices are tacos and appetizers, hamburgers, and pizzas.

The incorporation of these types of foods into the dietary habits of the global population has had significant health implications, such as an increase in overweight and obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and a higher risk of mortality, according to the Bank of Mexico’s Report on Regional Economies: January–March 2024.

Between 2020 and 2023, 40.4 percent of Mexican adolescents were overweight or obese. Given that they are the demographic group with the highest percentage of consumers of this type of food, experts recommend limiting the purchase of these products, reading labels to understand their contents, giving preference to fresh and natural foods, and encouraging young people to exercise daily.